My oldest son found out the truth about Santa Claus last year. He had asked some questions in previous years, but we could tell he was not ready to know the truth. We were able to get around the subject and let him believe a little longer. When he asked again last year, it was in a way that we knew it was time to spill the beans.

He found out the truth in the usual way. Some of the older neighborhood boys found great joy in telling him that there was no Santa. He was seven and old enough to really understand that the logistics of Santa coming down a chimney were a little too challenging for reality. Although he was a little disappointed to have us confirm his suspicions, he was grateful for our honesty.

Now that my son knew the truth, he was able to find a different way to enjoy Santa Claus. He was happy to know something that his younger brothers did not know. He promised and swore not to tell them the truth and so far he has not. He enjoys whispering to me about his secret knowledge that only a really big boy would have. It was definitely a "coming of age" moment for him. He enjoys promoting the excitement of Santa to his younger brothers and then giving me a quick wink.

If you are having any difficulties deciding when your child is ready to know the truth, then maybe this article will help you. Printnpost.com’s article "What to say if Your Child asks about Santa" has some advice on the subject. Here is a piece from that article:

"Older siblings and friends may spill the beans before your child is ready. Chances are that if your child has older brothers or sisters or teammates, they may be told that Santa isn’t real. You must decide at that point if you will keep the mystery alive by enhancing the story, or tell them the whole truth. I have decided that if my son flat out asks me if Santa is real, I will tell him the truth. If your child is young enough, then you may be able to dismiss it by saying, "I bet Santa won’t be bringing ____ toys this year since they are making things up about him!"

What do you think? How old were your children when they questioned if Santa was real? Did you put them off or tell them the truth?