As Christmas approaches, many parents find themselves faced with a tricky question: “Daddy, is Santa real?” It’s a bittersweet moment. On one hand, it’s a sign your child is growing, questioning, and making sense of the world. On the other, it can feel like the end of an era of magical Christmas mornings.
Children naturally become more curious as they grow older, and hearing “Santa’s not real” from friends at school is often what sparks these questions. For parents, it’s tough to know how to respond. You want to be honest, but you also want to hold onto their sense of wonder for as long as possible.

Responding to “Is Santa Real?”
When faced with this question, I often suggest a gentle redirection rather than a definitive “yes” or “no.” Responses like:
• “Where has that question come from?”
• “What are your thoughts about Santa being real?”
These questions give your child the space to express their own thoughts and feelings. Often, they’ll guide the conversation themselves, and you can tailor your response based on their understanding and emotional readiness.

Preserving the Magic of Christmas
As children grow older and start to piece together the truth about Santa, you can soften the transition by helping them focus on the magic of Christmas traditions. Let them know that while Santa might be more of a story, the spirit of Christmas—kindness, giving, and joy—lives on in what we create as a family.
Encourage your child to take part in the magic by coming up with a tradition of their own. This gives them something exciting to look forward to and helps keep the festive spirit alive year after year.

Keeping the Magic Alive
The truth about Santa doesn’t have to signal the end of Christmas magic. Instead, it can mark a new chapter—one where your child becomes a part of creating joy for others. By encouraging them to start their own traditions, you’re helping them carry the spirit of the season into the years to come.
Christmas magic doesn’t disappear—it just evolves, growing with them as they mature. Letting them contribute their ideas keeps the wonder alive, for them and for your whole family.

Merry Christmas! Keep an eye out in 2025 for more parenting tips, support, and laughs. Together, we’ll navigate all the joys and challenges family life brings!