This is probably the last year DD will believe in Santa. How do I make it special?

[Anonymous]

DD is in third grade and I realized this could be the last year she believes in Santa. So I want to make it extra special.

Any ideas?

[Anonymous]

She's only in 3rd grade it won't be the last year.

[Anonymous]

It’s Christmas. It’s already special. You don’t do need to do anything. Why must every thing be over the top?

[Anonymous]

We didn't do Santa in our house, except with a big wink-wink saying "Santa" filled our stockings. The way to make holidays special for kids is having defined traditions and spending time with them. A third-grader might like a gingerbread decorating project with you, or cookie icing/sprinkles. Maybe a special hike you do on Christmas Eve or visiting a Toys for Tots drop off with several toys. Special does not mean creating the illusion of magic; it means taking everyday things and highlighting the beauty of them with your kids. That's what they will remember.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We didn't do Santa in our house, except with a big wink-wink saying "Santa" filled our stockings. The way to make holidays special for kids is having defined traditions and spending time with them. A third-grader might like a gingerbread decorating project with you, or cookie icing/sprinkles. Maybe a special hike you do on Christmas Eve or visiting a Toys for Tots drop off with several toys. Special does not mean creating the illusion of magic; it means taking everyday things and highlighting the beauty of them with your kids. That's what they will remember.

This was lovely. Thanks!

I will add that a happy and relaxed vibe is essential for building nice memories.

[Anonymous]

My guess is a third grader likely knows or suspects... Many kids already know. I think if 5 or 6 as the end for most.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We didn't do Santa in our house, except with a big wink-wink saying "Santa" filled our stockings. The way to make holidays special for kids is having defined traditions and spending time with them. A third-grader might like a gingerbread decorating project with you, or cookie icing/sprinkles. Maybe a special hike you do on Christmas Eve or visiting a Toys for Tots drop off with several toys. Special does not mean creating the illusion of magic; it means taking everyday things and highlighting the beauty of them with your kids. That's what they will remember.

Special can also be the tradition of Santa. There’s no wrong way to do it. I wouldn’t and my kids wouldn’t have cared for a hike we can do any time of the year. Everyone is different.

[Anonymous]

No need to change a thing, OP. My kids stopped believing when they were very young. We kept doing the same rituals and traditions, because we enjoy them! The gifts are still "from Santa", when everyone knows full well I buy them on Amazon and wrap them on Christmas Eve...
They're in high school and college now.

[Anonymous]

Don’t. I told each of my kids about Santa in the spring of second grade.

They appreciated that I told them the truth and didn’t try to turn a special thing for little kids into an increasingly elaborate series of lies. It made them feel mature to know.

I think it was a good approach since they still had Santa fun as babies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t. I told each of my kids about Santa in the spring of second grade.

They appreciated that I told them the truth and didn’t try to turn a special thing for little kids into an increasingly elaborate series of lies. It made them feel mature to know.

I think it was a good approach since they still had Santa fun as babies.

Was this planned out? I think this usually is more organic as kids put two and two together and ask questions. Not a specific date and time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t. I told each of my kids about Santa in the spring of second grade.

They appreciated that I told them the truth and didn’t try to turn a special thing for little kids into an increasingly elaborate series of lies. It made them feel mature to know.

I think it was a good approach since they still had Santa fun as babies.

What us the rush for kids to grow up?

[Anonymous]

We never pretended Santa was real. But we still do it and enjoy it. It’s a game. Pageantry. Theater. It’s fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don’t. I told each of my kids about Santa in the spring of second grade.

They appreciated that I told them the truth and didn’t try to turn a special thing for little kids into an increasingly elaborate series of lies. It made them feel mature to know.

I think it was a good approach since they still had Santa fun as babies.

What us the rush for kids to grow up?

They don’t want to lie to their sweet little ones

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t. I told each of my kids about Santa in the spring of second grade.

They appreciated that I told them the truth and didn’t try to turn a special thing for little kids into an increasingly elaborate series of lies. It made them feel mature to know.

I think it was a good approach since they still had Santa fun as babies.

Why Tf would you do this you wench

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don’t. I told each of my kids about Santa in the spring of second grade.

They appreciated that I told them the truth and didn’t try to turn a special thing for little kids into an increasingly elaborate series of lies. It made them feel mature to know.

I think it was a good approach since they still had Santa fun as babies.

Why Tf would you do this you wench

Chill TF out. Jewish children end up just fine.