Have you heard about it happening? That stress-filled moment when you are caught hiding presents all signed from Santa. You feel paralyzed with fear when faced with talking to kids about Santa. You are stuck between magical wonderment and reality. Your child is looking at you with dread in their eyes, and the words “you lied” are coming out of their mouths. What can you do to make this transition from childhood magic to more mature reality less stressful?
Here are a few tips to share with your kids about Santa
You can give Santa a deeper meaning than just the description of a ‘jolly old man’ in a red suit. When you include talking about all of the things Santa stands for, you give your children something they can hold on to. An ideal they can transition to as they take on the role of keeping the spirit of Santa alive. This is most easily accomplished when you talk about the spirit of Santa from the very beginning.
But, it is never too late to add this spin to your Santa portrayal. When children find out the “truth,” they become part of keeping the magic alive for other children. They can assume their role of the spirit of Santa. You can even tell them that now they are one of Santa’s helpers. They get to experience the generosity and joy that Santa symbolizes. They become a more significant part of the real magic of the holidays.
Stress Free Kids founder Lori Lite is a freelance blogger, social media strategist, parenting expert, and successful entrepreneur. Her line of books and CDs are designed to help children, teens, and adults decrease stress, anxiety, and anger. Ms. Lite’s books, CDs, and lesson plans are considered a resource for parents, psychologists, therapists, child life specialists, teachers, doctors, and yoga instructors. Lori’s award winning books received national attention on Shark Tank and her sort after accessible tips have been featured in hundreds of publications to include: CNN Living, Real Simple Magazine, USA Today, Family Circle, Working Mother Magazine, and Web MD. For more information visit Stress Free Kids and for daily advice follow Lori on Twitter and Facebook.