I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the “Santa” question recently. You know the one: Do we tell our kids the truth, or do we keep the magic alive? It’s a dilemma every parent faces as the holidays approach, and every year, I find myself torn. How much of the “Santa lie” is too much? Should we just admit the truth and forgo the sleigh bells and reindeer? Or is there something powerful in this holiday magic that makes it worth holding onto, even if it’s just for a little while longer?

The Struggle Between Magic and Reality

I vividly remember being a child and believing in Santa Claus. The excitement that built up every December, the thrill of waking up on Christmas morning to find the cookies gone, the presents under the tree, and the reindeer tracks in the yard. It was pure magic. The idea of Santa encapsulated everything wonderful about childhood—hope, belief, wonder, and joy. It felt like a special kind of love was wrapped up in that red suit.

And now, here I am, playing the role of Santa for my own kids. Yet, with every year, the truth creeps in. I know the mechanics of Christmas—the shopping, the wrapping, the hidden presents in the closet—but still, there’s that glimmer of magic I don’t want to lose.

The Lies We Tell for the Sake of Wonder

I’ll admit it—I tell my kids things that aren’t entirely true. I tell them about the reindeer who fly through the night sky. I tell them that Santa knows whether they’ve been good or bad, and that he’s making a list and checking it twice. I tell them that Santa is coming down the chimney, leaving behind joy and presents for all.

But let’s be honest: they’re lies. And I’m okay with it. The funny thing about parenting is that sometimes, a little white lie is a necessary tool. We tell our kids that Santa’s sleigh is real because it creates a sense of wonder and excitement in their lives. These moments of magic aren’t just about presents; they’re about joy, family traditions, and something to hold onto when life gets complicated.

But what happens when they start asking questions? When they look at you with wide eyes and say, “How does Santa fit down the chimney?” or, “How does he get to all the houses in one night?” That’s when you have to get creative. That’s when the “Santa story” becomes a full-fledged production, and the lines between reality and fantasy blur just a little more.

The Day They Figure It Out

For some kids, the realization that Santa isn’t real comes with a sad sense of loss. For others, it’s a rite of passage—a sign that they are growing up. I won’t lie; I’m dreading that moment when my children look at me and say, “I know the truth. Santa’s not real, is he?” The sadness, the sense of betrayal, and the moment when the magic slips away, even if it’s only a little bit. I know that day is coming soon, and I’m not sure how to handle it.

Maybe they won’t be devastated. Maybe they’ll just smile, knowing that they’ve outgrown the story. I’ll do my best to preserve the spirit of giving, magic, and wonder in a new way. Maybe it will be less about believing in Santa and more about believing in the kindness, joy, and magic that the holiday season brings.

The Magic Isn’t About the Man in the Red Suit

What I’ve come to realize is that the magic of Christmas isn’t really about Santa. It’s about what he represents—family traditions, generosity, and the warmth of the holiday season. Santa is a symbol of all the things we want to feel this time of year: love, joy, and wonder. And maybe, when they’re old enough to know the truth, my kids will understand that.

The magic we create in our home isn’t about pretending that Santa is real. It’s about coming together, creating memories, and cherishing these moments while we can. Because, as much as I’d like to think the magic lasts forever, I know that one day, my kids won’t believe in Santa anymore. But they’ll always believe in the love we share—and that’s the real gift.

Embracing the Truth (and the Magic)

So, here’s my advice to parents facing the “Santa dilemma”: Keep the magic alive as long as you can. Let them believe in something that fills them with wonder. But also, when the time comes, be ready to embrace the truth with love and grace. Explain that while Santa may not be real in the way they once thought, the joy of giving, the spirit of the holidays, and the importance of family will always be real.

After all, isn’t that the best part of all?