How do you explain to children ...

[kathleen]

I like to get a name from the Angel Tree each year at Christmas. How do you explain to a child (7 years old, who still believes in Santa) what you are doing? When I have tried to talk before about some children not being as fortunate as we were, and so on ... he would say, but Momma, Santa will bring him toys. Any suggestions about what to say. I have tried to say that we are helping Santa, but he says Santa has plenty of money to give toys to everyone.

[Cathy]

My dd (14) suggested telling him that of course Santa will bring the child some gifts, but that his mommy and daddy aren't able to get him things and you are helping them so he will have an especially nice Christmas. Your child probably gets presents from you and other family and friends as well as from Santa, so he'll understand.

She's a nice child...she said that of course your son "believes in Santa....Who doesn't?"

[kacee]

DD is at the stage of trying to figure out Santa. I have done the same thing that Cathy suggested. We are helping out the family members.

I refuse to stop believing in Santa. DD is making plans to catch him though. I did tell her when she stopped believing that Santa will not bring her any presents. Then I could get all the presents!!

:D

[Leigh]

I have heard of parents telling children that they send money to Santa to help him buy presents that the elves can't make. I hope that it helps. With me not having children yet, it is hard for me to know, but I think that it is a nice thing that you are doing.:)

[MaryL]

I also tell my boys that some parents don't buy their kids any toys, baseball cards, etc during the year...and that we're picking a name off of the tree to help those Mom's and Dad's provide a few extra gifts for their kids at Christmas. My kids assume that Santa will still bring the "poor" kids (thier words) presents. I don't delve into that much....just let them believe it.

[Ryleigh]

Our kids had the option of sighning up for the "Santa's helper" program at school. Each of them brought home a box about the size of a shoe box, to be filled with small toys, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, comb, t-shirt etc. ( a list of suggestions enclosed). They then return the box to the school to be sent overseas to a child who is in need of a little love and assistance. They also include a letter and photo of themselves and the child who recieves the gift will write back to them.
They are having fun carefully choosing items to put in their boxes.
ds still believes in Santa, and dd likes to pretend she does., but in our house Santa brings one gift on Christmas eve. They rest come from family and friends. ds says he is getting a gift for a little boy who won't have a gift from his family because they have no money. He has a lot of questions about why some people don't have money, houses etc.... but loves the idea of helping out and sharing.

[kathleen]

to Kacee -- in the past when some other (older) child has talked to my son about Santa, he has come to us with questions. We have had my BIL call my son and talk to him as Santa -- usually about what he has done at school in the last few days, a special accomplishment, or something like that. We space it enough after his questions that he doesn't make the connection (at least so far). Plus, one time out of the blue over the summer, my BIL did that too -- without us asking him to. It was so great to watch my son's face as he talked on the phone and to listen to him!!!! It reinforced it for him I think.

[AnnW]

Originally posted by Cathy
My dd (14) suggested telling him that of course Santa will bring the child some gifts, but that his mommy and daddy aren't able to get him things and you are helping them so he will have an especially nice Christmas. Your child probably gets presents from you and other family and friends as well as from Santa, so he'll understand.

She's a nice child...she said that of course your son "believes in Santa....Who doesn't?"


great answer!!! smart girl you got there, Cathy!!

[RCT]

oh I love all your answers.....:smilesant

[Diane]

Originally posted by kathleen
to Kacee -- in the past when some other (older) child has talked to my son about Santa, he has come to us with questions. We have had my BIL call my son and talk to him as Santa -- usually about what he has done at school in the last few days, a special accomplishment, or something like that. We space it enough after his questions that he doesn't make the connection (at least so far). Plus, one time out of the blue over the summer, my BIL did that too -- without us asking him to. It was so great to watch my son's face as he talked on the phone and to listen to him!!!! It reinforced it for him I think.

One year a few years ago my neighbor and I set up a time where I'd have the kids call "Santa". (HIM) He'd talk with them and ask them what they needed/wanted for Christmas... all the good stuff that Santa's are suppose to ask. LOL It was SOOO funny to see the looks on their little faces when Santa answered the phone... "This is Santa at the North Pole..." My neighbor knew in which order I was going to have the kids call so... he already knew their names without the kids having to tell them. They thought that was SO cool that Santa KNEW. LOL I miss my own children being young and still believing in Santa but at least I still can share in the fun/joy with my other kids... (dck's)

Diane... :wave: