Believing in Santa...

[kybearfuzz]

A topic of discussion came up during lunch between co-workers about an in-law who was distraught that her daughter's classmates had told her daughter that there was no Santa Claus. These kids are in the fourth grade. The mother, who is so desperate to allow her daughter to cling to believing in Santa, has asked her brother to play Santa. The question was when do you bend the truth and when do you let the cat out of the bag?


Goldberg as the Evil, but Woofable Santa in Santa's Slay
There isn't an age attached to it per se, but the maturity of the child, in my opinion. And, let's face it, sometimes a parent doesn't have control of when the secret is let out, as in the case of our miserable mom's daughter. However, I think at fourth grade, she should be ready enough to accept the truth. If by chance the mom salvages this year for believing, it will likely be the last.

I recall when I found out that Santa wasn't real (or at least how we believe him as kids, I know about St. Nicholas). Santa popped in at my house when I was six (or was it eight?), arms full of presents, etc. I remember being very excited about it. When Santa leaned down to hug me, I noticed his eyes and immediately recognized those baby blues belonging to my dad. I was one of those annoying kids who constantly asked questions, a sign of my curious and somewhat cynical nature I guess, so this really didn't surprise me. I had questions about Santa before. I found the rented costume later in the house. I admit, I think I asked Mom about it and she asked me to keep it quiet for the twin and the sis.

I remember it fondly though, my dad playing Santa. With his big belly, silver hair, and blue eyes, he was built for the role. In fact, if Dad would have ever grown a beard (to my knowledge he had ALWAYS been clean shaven), there is a good chance we would have had children lining up around the block to sit on Santa's lap and ask for things every year.

Admittedly, it sucks to grow up sometimes. I wonder if I could get my picture taken with Santa at the mall....

Comments

[cincycub.livejournal.com]

Y'know, I think being the last kid in class to hold on to that isn't good for the girl's reputation :)

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Ah, I'm not sure she's the last, but still....

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Ah, your mom sounds like a good planner ;)

[daltxfurry.livejournal.com]

Yes....you can go get your pic taken with Santa....I have a friend who goes every year.... :-)

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Ah, I think that it would be great if you dressed up as Santa! Could I sit in your lap?

[daltxfurry.livejournal.com]

you certainly could!

[mikiedoggie.livejournal.com]

I actually want to see Santa's Slay. The premise is rather funny, and while I'm sure its a horrible movie, the concept of Goldberg as Satantic Santa killing people would be worth it. Heh.

Admittedly, it sucks to grow up sometimes. I wonder if I could get my picture taken with Santa at the mall....

You can. I did it with my friend Amy just a couple of years ago. I think I have an idea for an activity this weekend... :P

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I have Santa's Slay burned to a DVD, but have yet to watch it.

[spatts5.livejournal.com]

I have a wonderful memory of when I was 4 or 5 of Santa coming to my house to give me a "Casper The Friendly Ghost" wind up Jack in the Box (I know I'm dating myself). I LOVED that toy and Santa's visit. Even when I stopped believing, I never asked my parents who played Santa. Guess I wanted to hold on to those wonderful feelings. It finally came out in casual conversation when I was in my twenties that it was my uncle. I always had a special place in my heart for him because of that and even though he has long since passed away, every Christmas I think of that time Santa came to see me and it always puts a smile on my face (and a tear in my eye). I love to watch the kids in the mall as they sit with Santa.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Awww.. it's too bad, you never knew.. that sounds pretty cool of your uncle to do that. :)

[boobooirl.livejournal.com]

My brother helped me figure it out when I was 5 and we found the presents 2 days before Christmas.
Bastard!

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Ouch! That was rotten :(

[dendren.livejournal.com]

of course you can sit on a santa's lap at the mall. I've done it with friends, it's a hoot. I say go for it and be sure to share the pics!

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I may have to see if he's at the local mall and see what I can do about that... ;)

[artsycub.livejournal.com]

FYI: The Santa at Polaris Mall loves to have his inner thigh massaged. :D

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Oooh.. good to know ;)