NationStates Jolt Archive

For a long time, Christmas was about as important to me as Birthdays...which is to say, not that important. It was always nice to get back together with family of course, but the gift-giving and receiving wasn't anywhere near as exciting as it was when I was a kid. But now that I have kids of my own, Christmas is suddenly ridiculously exciting for me. I couldn't even sleep last night, planning how I was going to sneak the presents up, and leave 'signs' of Santa's passing. My girls are (almost) 2 and 4, and this is the first year they've actually anticipated Christmas. They tell me Santa is going to bring them chocolate in their stocking, and bring lots of presents. My eldest helped her babysitter open up a present from our family, and she was so excited, she didn't even care what the present was...just the idea of the present itself almost drove her mad with joy.

So how has Christmas changed for you now that YOU have young children?
Or has it remained the same? What (if anything) do you do to make it more exciting for the kids?

So how has Christmas changed for you now that YOU have young children?
Or has it remained the same? What (if anything) do you do to make it more exciting for the kids?

I'm a Scrooge. I let the wife handle all the "fun" stuff. I'm the one that worries about the bills, travel plans, where the hell I'm going to put all the crap the kids get, etc.

So how has Christmas changed for you now that YOU have young children?
Or has it remained the same? What (if anything) do you do to make it more exciting for the kids?

Meh ... nothing's changed much. The kids have a passing interest in Christmas, but it pales in comparison to their excitement over Sukkot and Pesach.

This year will be fun, because both of my girls are old enough to understand that they are getting presents, and old enough to unwrap them by themselves.

My 4 year old found one of her presents a few weeks ago, so we are wrapping everything and then hiding that one, and letting her unwrap everything and not have it, and then bring it out as a surprise. It sounds fun to my husband but I think she is going to end up crying (because that present is "all she asked for")

Christmas is more exciting this year than it ever has been for me, but then, I didn't grow up celebrating Christmas, and I don't have all the attachments most people seem to have. To me, a present is just as good without the wrapping paper. But I was wrapping presents anyway the other day, and letting her pick out the tissue paper colors for me, and she was just so excited to be making presents. We kept naming who they were for (so she woudln't just open them herself) and saying the colors of the paper, and when we were going to open them again... and she was just on cloud 9.

So I guess for me, Christmas never was exciting before, but now it is just because my little girl is excited and will have fun.

This year will be fun, because both of my girls are old enough to understand that they are getting presents, and old enough to unwrap them by themselves.

My 4 year old found one of her presents a few weeks ago, so we are wrapping everything and then hiding that one, and letting her unwrap everything and not have it, and then bring it out as a surprise. It sounds fun to my husband but I think she is going to end up crying (because that present is "all she asked for")

That is just EVIL! Talk about a way to ruin Christmas for her for the rest of her life. "Mom, remember that time you hid the one present I wanted and wouldn't give it to me, and I cried?" when she's 30.

This year will be fun, because both of my girls are old enough to understand that they are getting presents, and old enough to unwrap them by themselves.

My 4 year old found one of her presents a few weeks ago, so we are wrapping everything and then hiding that one, and letting her unwrap everything and not have it, and then bring it out as a surprise. It sounds fun to my husband but I think she is going to end up crying (because that present is "all she asked for")
Hmmm...I understand wanting to surprise her...but she IS only four...I know my kid would be too upset to enjoy it once she got herself worked up.

Luckily we don't have to travel far...both our parents are only about an hour away...I really don't think I could handle a long trip this time of year with all the other madness that goes on...I don't know how people do it! A coworker is driving 15 hours to his parent's place...this season is stressful enough!

This year I haven't been all that careful...I've used the same wrapping paper as the presents we're giving to our families, and I haven't disguised my writing, but I think they'll catch on too quick if I keep that up. Next year I shall be a master of covert-Christams activities!

That is just EVIL! Talk about a way to ruin Christmas for her for the rest of her life. "Mom, remember that time you hid the one present I wanted and wouldn't give it to me, and I cried?" when she's 30.
hey, I talked him down from just taking it back to the store and not giving it to her at all.

She knows she is getting it, she told my mom "I found my black Furby in mom's room, but I am going to act super surprised on Christmas so that they can still think I didn't find it"

I told him that at the first sign of tears I am pulling the Furby out, I don't want to start a very long day with a cranky kid.

But I was wrapping presents anyway the other day, and letting her pick out the tissue paper colors for me, and she was just so excited to be making presents. We kept naming who they were for (so she woudln't just open them herself) and saying the colors of the paper, and when we were going to open them again... and she was just on cloud 9.

So I guess for me, Christmas never was exciting before, but now it is just because my little girl is excited and will have fun.
It seems that at this age, the idea of presents is more powerful than the presents themselves...and I kind of remember that from my own childhood too. To see a mountain of gifts appear like magic under the tree...it didn't really matter what you ended up with, or that most of the presents were just practical things mom and dad had saved up for months. I've taken to doing that too. Everything we wouldn've bought anyway during November and December goes under the tree to make it look like more. The kids don't need fifty presents each...they get two or three things...something disposable (like chocolate or paper) and usually something that should last them a long time (like books, or a movie).

My husband thinks I'm batty I'm so damn excited!

I told him that at the first sign of tears I am pulling the Furby out, I don't want to start a very long day with a cranky kid.
No doubt...it's amazing how long kids so young can hold a grudge:)

This year will be fun, because both of my girls are old enough to understand that they are getting presents, and old enough to unwrap them by themselves.

My 4 year old found one of her presents a few weeks ago, so we are wrapping everything and then hiding that one, and letting her unwrap everything and not have it, and then bring it out as a surprise. It sounds fun to my husband but I think she is going to end up crying (because that present is "all she asked for")
when my son was that age, i would just put the presents in my bedroom closet and tell him that they were "in the attic".

the odd thing is that we didnt HAVE an attic but he never searched for them anyway.

"Parents of young children! Are you excited about Christmas?"

Do grandparents count too?

when my son was that age, i would just put the presents in my bedroom closet and tell him that they were "in the attic".

the odd thing is that we didnt HAVE an attic but he never searched for them anyway.
she wasn't really looking for it, Furby found her.

I told my husband that I needed to open it up and take the batteries out, but he didn't want me to, because his dad used to always open his toys and play with them before Christmas and it used to make him really mad. Anyway they were playing in the hall and she fell down against the wall and it woke him up.

She went to investigate who was talking in mommy's closet. ;)

Luckily we don't have to travel far...both our parents are only about an hour away...I really don't think I could handle a long trip this time of year with all the other madness that goes on...I don't know how people do it! A coworker is driving 15 hours to his parent's place...this season is stressful enough!
The news showed the aircraft locator map where each airplane in the air is shown as a red dot. Almost the entire US and most of Canada looked like a sea of red! Ain't no WAY I'm flying, driving or even riding the train in all that! Heh!

"Parents of young children! Are you excited about Christmas?"

Do grandparents count too?
Oh yes...my children's grandparents (and greatgrandparents, and great aunts and uncles and so on) are all dizzy with excitement too. Kids make Christmas new again.

She went to investigate who was talking in mommy's closet. ;)
This year I figured I was safe keeping batteries in, and in some cases, putting batteries in, because the presents are hidden downstairs and they never go there...but I suspect I might be in for some trouble when I try to transport them upstairs to the tree in the middle of the night...*thwack* "Let's read a story!"

Oh yes...my children's grandparents (and greatgrandparents, and great aunts and uncles and so on) are all dizzy with excitement too. Kids make Christmas new again.
True, although I would go even further and say that kids make the entire world "new," not just Christmas.

[ Damn! No matter how hard I try to play the "crusty, old veteran" role, you people always make me too happy to bother! ]

i think its important to remember that christmas isnt all about presents.

think back on what you remember about christmas when you were a kid. i remember longing to be old enough to go to midnight mass. dressing up to go to church first thing in the morning and getting to open ONE present before we left. i remember xmas dinner with the extended family. plaing games in the snow after dinner.

dont make christmas a greedfest for your kids. make it a wonderful family day where you have traditions and play games and do things year after year that will give them treasured memories.

getting the new "white queen barbie in silver chariot pulled by polar bears" just isnt a substitute for that.

The news showed the aircraft locator map where each airplane in the air is shown as a red dot. Almost the entire US and most of Canada looked like a sea of red! Ain't no WAY I'm flying, driving or even riding the train in all that! Heh!
No doubt...I mean, if you CAN avoid it...I live in a small, not-too-populated rural area, but the highway here is just crazy, all the way to Edmonton...literally bumper-to-bumper. It's enough to drive anyone batty! And how many years do you hear of people being stranded, or delayed and not even getting to see their family in time? If only we could stretch out the visiting, and not have to all go at once:( I really feel for those people going so far away...the coworker I mentioned has four boys, the youngest is 18 months. Imagine the hell of driving with them for so many hours!

True, although I would go even further and say that kids make the entire world "new," not just Christmas.

[ Damn! No matter how hard I try to play the "crusty, old veteran" role, you people always make me too happy to bother! ]
That's true. Right now my daughter is into potty jokes...very simple ones about farting and hurting your 'butt':) I love it...I get to tell the stupidest fart jokes and she acts like it's the most hilarious thing in the world...and she convinces me of it too. We laugh until it hurts:)

I WANT MORE KIDS! But I have to wait until I know if I'm going to school or not:(

i think its important to remember that christmas isnt all about presents.

think back on what you remember about christmas when you were a kid. i remember longing to be old enough to go to midnight mass. dressing up to go to church first thing in the morning and getting to open ONE present before we left. i remember xmas dinner with the extended family. plaing games in the snow after dinner.

dont make christmas a greedfest for your kids. make it a wonderful family day where you have traditions and play games and do things year after year that will give them treasured memories.

getting the new "white queen barbie in silver chariot pulled by polar bears" just isnt a substitute for that.No, I agree...presents aren't everything, but they make it extra exciting. We're going to my mom's place tonight, and the whole extended family is going to be there...tonnes of kids, lots of food, games, fun...I grew up doing that at least five or six times a year, and because we lived so far away for three years, the girls have missed out on that. Then, on Christmas day we do it again, with my husband's extended family. My girls are going to go nuts! The fun of opening the presents lasts until all the wrapping paper is torn off...but playing with other kids, running around the adults....that's a few solid days of fun!

The other thing about presents is that we really force ourselves not to go overboard. A few presents is it...the rest is just filler...a new alarm clock for the one that broke, socks and underwear, clothes that the girls need anyway. I refuse to spend hundreds of dollars on fancy toys that the girls will be interested in for a day or two...and sporadically after that. It's harder than I thought though...I want to buy them presents because I want to play with them too:)

i was a strict mother in some ways

ive always hated that greed that we build up in kids by having them draw up a huge list of things to ask santa for. i dont think its good for kids to suggest that its possible to get that many presents or that there is going to be a time where you CAN get everything you might think you want

so i had my son think very carefullly then ask santa for ONE present. (that really freaked out the mall santas). he was pretty much guaranteed to get that present and it was the ONLY present he could ask for. he wasnt allowed to beg for the stupid toys on the TV. the rule was "if its advertised on TV, you aint gettin' it". (but the santa toy could be one advertised on tv, santa was buying that one)

i bought him good quality toys and books that would last. he never had a clue as to what he was going to get.

No doubt...I mean, if you CAN avoid it...I live in a small, not-too-populated rural area, but the highway here is just crazy, all the way to Edmonton...literally bumper-to-bumper. It's enough to drive anyone batty! And how many years do you hear of people being stranded, or delayed and not even getting to see their family in time? If only we could stretch out the visiting, and not have to all go at once:( I really feel for those people going so far away...the coworker I mentioned has four boys, the youngest is 18 months. Imagine the hell of driving with them for so many hours!
If it's all the same to you, I'd rather not! LOL!

That's true. Right now my daughter is into potty jokes...very simple ones about farting and hurting your 'butt':) I love it...I get to tell the stupidest fart jokes and she acts like it's the most hilarious thing in the world...and she convinces me of it too. We laugh until it hurts:)

I WANT MORE KIDS! But I have to wait until I know if I'm going to school or not:(
Awww! I can almost visualize that! That is sooo kewl, Sinuhue! Kudos on being a good mom! :)

My wife and I both aver that we would have had several more but for the expense. Sigh. :(

i was a strict mother in some ways

ive always hated that greed that we build up in kids by having them draw up a huge list of things to ask santa for. i dont think its good for kids to suggest that its possible to get that many presents or that there is going to be a time where you CAN get everything you might think you want

so i had my son think very carefullly then ask santa for ONE present. (that really freaked out the mall santas). he was pretty much guaranteed to get that present and it was the ONLY present he could ask for. he wasnt allowed to beg for the stupid toys on the TV. the rule was "if its advertised on TV, you aint gettin' it". (but the santa toy could be one advertised on tv, santa was buying that one)

i bought him good quality toys and books that would last. he never had a clue as to what he was going to get.
I think that's an excellent approach, Legs! We use to tell our five that they could ask for one "big thing" and two "smaller things," which actually forced them to make some decisions about what was important to them and what wasn't. Since we had five, and since my wife would go kinda nuts during the holidays, it was a rare year we didn't spend about $1,500 on Christmas presents for them ( back when $1,500 was a LOT of money! ), but we made sure they at least got the few things they decided they really wanted.

The TV advertising wasn't a problem when they were in grade school, since I banished the television the year the oldest started second grade and didn't allow it back in until the oldest was a Sophomore in high school! :D

We're pretty excited. My wife and I just wrapped a bunch of stuff at lunch time while the baby is napping and the boys are in school.
The magic is back-that magic you had when you believed in Santa. The nit dissapeared when you found out there was none. Now-the anticipation of my kids joy is giving ma that feeling again.
That and we have the whole family coming here for Christmas feast and Mario Lanza is singing "We three Kings". I'm in the spirit.

i was a strict mother in some ways How old are your kids now, if you don't mind me asking?

ive always hated that greed that we build up in kids by having them draw up a huge list of things to ask santa for. i dont think its good for kids to suggest that its possible to get that many presents or that there is going to be a time where you CAN get everything you might think you want

so i had my son think very carefullly then ask santa for ONE present. (that really freaked out the mall santas). he was pretty much guaranteed to get that present and it was the ONLY present he could ask for. he wasnt allowed to beg for the stupid toys on the TV. the rule was "if its advertised on TV, you aint gettin' it". (but the santa toy could be one advertised on tv, santa was buying that one)

i bought him good quality toys and books that would last. he never had a clue as to what he was going to get.
Ugh...commercials...buy this! Buy that! You really really need this! The only channel the kids get to watch is Treehouse, and it blessedly has no commercials. Plus their TV viewing is now strictly controlled (one hour a day max...two on weekends). I just moved our room into the smaller bedroom, and gave the master bedroom to the kids, so they had more space for their playing. I made a little 'reading corner' where two mini-sofas (presents from their first Christmas each, respectively) and a nice little rug I crocheted and snuggled in a corner, with a bin full of books. It's become the favourite place in the house. To me, presents should last...and because I'm a book freak, it's generally books...or music...or a movie...something that's going to get a lot of use. I don't think that's strict...I think that's kinder. They value the few presents they get, instead of feeling unfulfilled because they got so much and still don't like it.

Now, what I want for Christmas is the energy to play "Ouch my butt" with my daughter, which involves hours of pretending her little Dora and Diego figures are getting their buns toasted on the 'kitchen' their grandpa built them.

i think its important to remember that christmas isnt all about presents.


getting the new "white queen barbie in silver chariot pulled by polar bears" just isnt a substitute for that.


Wait-you got that? I'm still trying to find one-I'll buy it off you!;)

I'm lucky- my kids mention something they want-its usually one reasonable thing. We get it for them, plus a bunch of other stuff thats all a surprise. They want what they have, for the most part. I dont know how, but they're all very well adjusted and happy kids.
My 2 yr old daughter is ecxstatic over any clothes-she loves dresses, hats, shoes. We got her a few Disney princess dresses- glass slippers ,ruby slippers- she is going to be so excited!
We bought a new computer for the boys-loaded with everything. My older son likes to make digital movies.
I'm really looking foward to it.

We're pretty excited. My wife and I just wrapped a bunch of stuff at lunch time while the baby is napping and the boys are in school.
The magic is back-that magic you had when you believed in Santa. The nit dissapeared when you found out there was none. Now-the anticipation of my kids joy is giving ma that feeling again.
That and we have the whole family coming here for Christmas feast and Mario Lanza is singing "We three Kings". I'm in the spirit.
Now I understand why 'adults' got so weird and 'in the spirit':) When I was a teenager, I wore my eye-muscles out by rolling them constantly as they encouraged us to go carolling, etc. Now I get it...and my kids'll hate it when they're teens too, because I'm not letting up!:D

Wait-you got that? I'm still trying to find one-I'll buy it off you!;)

I'm lucky- my kids mention something they want-its usually one reasonable thing. We get it for them, plus a bunch of other stuff thats all a surprise. They want what they have, for the most part. I dont know how, but they're all very well adjusted and happy kids.
My 2 yr old daughter is ecxstatic over any clothes-she loves dresses, hats, shoes. We got her a few Disney princess dresses- glass slippers ,ruby slippers- she is going to be so excited!
We bought a new computer for the boys-loaded with everything. My older son likes to make digital movies.
I'm really looking foward to it.
I think too, as kids get older, if you include them in things like shopping, and they start to realise what things cost, and what can be afforded and what can't, their requests will remain reasonable. And if they get that expensive gift, they'll value it more. I've seen too many kids with the $80 toyhouse whining that they didn't get 'enough'. But they don't understand that some things cost more than others...then again, that's a developmental thing. I'm not sure when they really can grasp the idea that more presents doesn't neccessarily trump one big present:)

I think too, as kids get older, if you include them in things like shopping, and they start to realise what things cost, and what can be afforded and what can't, their requests will remain reasonable. And if they get that expensive gift, they'll value it more. I've seen too many kids with the $80 toyhouse whining that they didn't get 'enough'. But they don't understand that some things cost more than others...then again, that's a developmental thing. I'm not sure when they really can grasp the idea that more presents doesn't neccessarily trump one big present:)


I've been giving my 7 and 12 yr olds a weekly/ allowance for a while now. Its required that they bank 1/2 right away-they fill out deposit slips and go to the bank with me or my wife when we go. The remainder they chose what to do with it- I try to get them to also deposit 10% of whats left-or put it towards stock accounts they have. Whats left, they can buy things with. Or buy school lunch, if they dont want what I'm making them.
I'm hoping they are appreciating the value of money and getting used to paying themselves first. I'm not raising borrowers, if I can help it.

I usually hate this sappy stuff, but 'tis a sappy time of year so:

*substitute dad for mom, or parents for mom, or whatever to make it applicable...*

Twas the Night Before Christmas,
When all through the abode
Only one creature stirred
As she cleaned the commode.

The children were finally
Asleep in their beds,
While visions of big toys
Flipped through their heads.

Yes, Dad was snoring
In front of the TV,
With a half built bicycle
Propped on his knee.

So only the Mom heard
The reindeer hooves clatter,
Which got her to sighing,
Now what is the matter?

With toilet bowl brush
Still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs,
And saw the old man.

He was covered with ashes
Which fell with a shrug,
Oh great, said the Mom,
Now I clean the rug.

Ho Ho Ho! cried Santa,
I'm glad you're awake.
Your gift was especially
Difficult to make.

Thanks but I just wanted
Time on my own!
Exactly! he chuckled,
So, I've made you a clone.

A clone? she muttered,
What good is that?
Run along, Santa,
I've no time for chit chat.

Then out walked the clone
The Mother's twin,
Same hair, same eyes
And the same double chin.

She'll cook, she'll dust,
She'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy,
Watch TV and rest.

Fantastic! *the Mom cheered.
My dream has come true!
I'll shop, I'll read,
I'll sleep a night through!

From the room above,
The youngest did fret.
Mommy? ! Come quickly,
I'm scared and I'm wet."

The clone replied,
I'm coming, sweetheart.
Hey," the Mom smiled,
She sure knows her part.

The clone changed the child
And hummed her a tune,
As she bundled the small one
In a blanket cocoon.

You're the best Mommy ever.
I really love you.
The clone smiled and sighed,
And I love you too.

The Mom frowned and said,
Sorry, Santa, No deal.
That's MY child's LOVE
That she's going to steal.

Smiling wisely, Santa said
To me, it is clear,
Only one loving Mother
Is needed in here.

The Mom kissed her child
And tucked her in bed.
Thank You, *dear Santa,
For clearing my head.

Sometimes I forget,
It won't be too long,
Before they'! re too old
For my cradle and song.

The clock on the mantle
Then started to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone,
It works every time.

With the clone by his side,
Santa said, Goodnight
Merry Christmas, Dear MOM,
You'll be all right.

Sometimes we need reminding
Of what life's all about.
Especially at times
When the Holidays shout

And all we do is clean,
Bake and procure.
You get the picture here
I am sure.

So stop for a moment
Hug your kids so dear,
If they're 2, or 22,
Or older this year.

For they are the gift
God gave from above,
To always be treasured
With a Mom's Endless LOVE !!!!!

I usually hate this sappy stuff, but 'tis a sappy time of year
But ... but ... but, I don't got no mommie! [ weeps ]

I usually hate this sappy stuff, but 'tis a sappy time of year so:
<<<HACK>>>
*


So sappy... (As I drag the clone off into a quiet room)

But ... but ... but, I don't got no mommie! [ weeps ]
*smack*
Then be the grandpa in the poem, take out all the mommy references, and hug your grandbrats!

What (if anything) do you do to make it more exciting for the kids?

My son probably doesn't qualify as a "young" kid anymore, but we're still keeping the Santa myth going. I wonder if he's caught on yet. We let him decorate the tree and, even though I walk around it evening out the ornaments, it's mainly his. We set out milk and cookies and I make a personalized note to him from Santa with some fancy writing. He'll be helping me bake treats tomorrow.

My son probably doesn't qualify as a "young" kid anymore, but we're still keeping the Santa myth going. I wonder if he's caught on yet. We let him decorate the tree and, even though I walk around it evening out the ornaments, it's mainly his. We set out milk and cookies and I make a personalized note to him from Santa with some fancy writing. He'll be helping me bake treats tomorrow.
I found out about Santa when I was 6. My youngest brother probably knew, but held onto the idea until he was 14:)

I found out about Santa when I was 6. My youngest brother probably knew, but held onto the idea until he was 14:)

My son is 11. I suspect he knows, but refuses to acknowledge it on the grounds that he thinks he might not get the extra Santa gifts. I told him when he asked about the tooth fairy that if he stops believing in her he might not get any money for his lost teeth. I'm an evil parent. I eventually fessed up to the whole tooth fairy sham, but he conveniently "forgot".

My son is 11. I suspect he knows, but refuses to acknowledge it on the grounds that he thinks he might not get the extra Santa gifts. I told him when he asked about the tooth fairy that if he stops believing in her he might not get any money for his lost teeth. I'm an evil parent. I eventually fessed up to the whole tooth fairy sham, but he conveniently "forgot".
Kids, even 11 year olds...have an incredible ability to suspend disbelief. They can know something isn't true, but still believe it. It's cool.

My husband's tradition has it that ALL the gifts are from Santa, so that's how we do it. However, my girls also get presents from my side of the family...I think one day they'll go...how come mom and dad never give us anything? I think this is something my husband and I need to negotiate on before next Christmas!

How old are your kids now, if you don't mind me asking?

he's 19. growing up is a good thing. i still spoil him with books just like i did when he was a toddler.

Wait-you got that? I'm still trying to find one-I'll buy it off you!

dont i wish! i left that movie with extreme admiration for the white witch and the actress that plays her. a white witch barbie would be SOOOO cool!

My son is 11. I suspect he knows, but refuses to acknowledge it on the grounds that he thinks he might not get the extra Santa gifts. I told him when he asked about the tooth fairy that if he stops believing in her he might not get any money for his lost teeth. I'm an evil parent. I eventually fessed up to the whole tooth fairy sham, but he conveniently "forgot".
my son didnt hang on that long but i had 2 principles about santa:

1) people who dont believe in santa dont get presents from santa

2) everyone believes in santa at christmastime.

it made the point without making anyone feel stupid for believing the myth past the age of reason.

!
my son didnt hang on that long but i had 2 principles about santa:

1) people who dont believe in santa dont get presents from santa

2) everyone believes in santa at christmastime.

it made the point without making anyone feel stupid for believing the myth past the age of reason.

I think that when I figured out there was no actual Santa, my parents explained it by saying that there is a "spirit" of Santa. That's probably how I will explain it to my son.

*smack*
Then be the grandpa in the poem, take out all the mommy references, and hug your grandbrats!
Just did a few minutes ago, thanks. :D

I think that when I figured out there was no actual Santa, my parents explained it by saying that there is a "spirit" of Santa. That's probably how I will explain it to my son.
My 4 year old came up to me a few days ago and said "Santa isn't really real right? He is like Big Bird real, little kids think he is real but not really, so it's just for pretend, but I can still go see him for real and pretend that he is real?"
and I said "yep" ;)

My mom was so mad, I don't see how lying to the kid is going to help her any though, I mean if she figured it out the least I can do is be honest right?

My 4 year old came up to me a few days ago and said "Santa isn't really real right? He is like Big Bird real, little kids think he is real but not really, so it's just for pretend, but I can still go see him for real and pretend that he is real?"
and I said "yep" ;)

My mom was so mad, I don't see how lying to the kid is going to help her any though, I mean if she figured it out the least I can do is be honest right?
with a child like yours its critical that you always tell her the truth when she asks something like that. she needs to know that everything you tell her as fact is true to the best of your ability to know the truth.

you dont have to tell her everything (like the rougher details of your life) but everything you do tell her must be true.

you are the rock her world rests on. she need to know she can always trust you to proect her, support her and tell her the truth.

with a child like yours its critical that you always tell her the truth when she asks something like that. she needs to know that everything you tell her as fact is true to the best of your ability to know the truth.

you dont have to tell her everything (like the rougher details of your life) but everything you do tell her must be true.

you are the rock her world rests on. she need to know she can always trust you to proect her, support her and tell her the truth.
yeah, my first rule of parenting is Don't ever lie to your kids. I am writing a book about it though, so I can't give you the other 9 lol.