How Old Is Too Old For Father Christmas?
One thing I love about Christmas is just how many children believe in Father Christmas. The whole idea of him giving toys out all around the world.
My own kids have their own idea how he manages this. They have concocted a whole world for him full of elves, toy factories and magic books. That watch kids to see if they are good or bad. I love that they believe, and hope it goes on for a few more years yet.
I can’t remember when I stopped believing in Santa but I think I must have been pretty old as I wasn’t heartbroken by the fact or that surprised. So I was surprised to meet a mum yesterday who thought 7 was too old to believe and was planning on telling her son the truth after Christmas.
Abuse of trust
It was even more of a surprise to read a blog in the
Telegraph where a father argued telling your kids Santa is real is an ‘abuse of trust’. That parents shouldn’t be filling kids heads with things that aren’t true.
Personally I’m happy that Father Christmas was part of my childhood. I don’t feel believing in any way made me distrust my parents or that I was ‘tricked’ into the magic of Christmas. In fact as an adult some of the best parts about Christmas are reviving my childhood memories of Christmas Eve with my brothers and of looking into the sky for Santa’s sleigh.
Growing up
So in my mind I don’t think telling your kids a bit of fiction is wrong or deceitful. And I don’t think it matters how long you believe in Father Christmas for.
Kids should be be enchanted for as long as they want and need. Find out in their own time. And after all isn’t that what childhood and growing up is all about.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.
Related Article
Ten ideas for how to make the Tooth Fairy real
