Well when my oldest son was really small, I did the Santa Claus thing. ( I didn't know the Lord back then.) I did tell him the truth about santa when he was about 8.
With my youngest, we didn't encourage the Santa thing at all, it is difficult when little ones are in kindergarten and Santa is everywhere you see, but when he was 6, we really explained how Santa claus was made up, I am talking about the stories of a big fat jolly man in a red suit climbing down the chimney and delivering toys and has flying reindeer. That is the character that everyone associates Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, with.
I probably spoilt the fun for my sons, because all the kids their age believed the whole fantasy, and mine tried to tell the other kids that it wasn't true.
I think the issue for me was keeping up this facade and going along with a fantasy that has gotten so out of control in the world. And adults perpetuate the whole thing with the question to a child 'so what is Santa bringing you this year?'
I just told my kids the truth and talked about Jesus, I would like to think that they are greatful I told them and taught them the difference between fantasy and reality. Maybe I should ask them.
I told my kids at a very young age about the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny being just tales and nothing more aswell. I am a party pooper aren't I?:santa:
My kids still had fun, they just knew that mum and dad were the ones providing the gifts.
butterflywings