Quote Originally Posted by bright sparks View Post
Yes, no kidding Lee-Bee.It is hard enough when older kids stop believing and keeping the magic alive for the little ones, but at least for the most part then you can explain to the big kids and have them keep the secret too. This would for sure be a deal breaker for me too. Not because I don't respect the parents choice, but because it is so difficult to keep it from spoiling things for others, especially in this age group.
Yes. When the children are a bit older they can better understand it, and we as adults can explain that it is about the magic of believing. There was an article in the paper today noting how lying about santa can undermine trust between parent and children.

I can't help but feel this is only if the adults handle it in the wrong way. It can easily be explained in a manner than doesn't undermine the trust, in a way that doesn't leave kids traumatized for life. I remember continuing to choose to believe years after I truly knew. Because believing was more fun. I find every year I have to carefully word my conversations to my husband about santa and gifts because I often can't quite tell if he has figured it out just yet. He lives for the magic of santa.