I have three children (all grown and parents themselves) and they are no worse the wear for believing in Santa as youngsters and they definitely knew it was a “myth” long before we told them. They came home from school one day telling me that some kids were saying there was no such person as Santa. Keep the tradition! So the parents became Santa so his magic would live on. I was recently part of a similar conversation on Facebook. Tell your friend to lighten up. I think it’s a wonderful magical thing for children to believe in. When confronted by my son asking “Why would you tell me this elaborate story?” This was my response: People tell their kids about Santa Claus because they want it to be true even more than the kids do. No harm. I feel the idea of Santa is such a fun tradition – and I believe it should be enjoyed for as long as possible. Jesus Christ is the savior born a babe in a manger, celebrated at this season and I follow Him. We sat him down and explained that there is only a certain amount of names on Santa’s list, and when u turn 17 its time for your name to come off the list and a new baby’s name to go on. Well if you can’t have Santa, then what about Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, etc. But… we did hear a baby cry. When the time comes tell them about the spirit and hope of Christmas. We always had talk about traditional things and they enjoyed being a part of it all. I found myself in a similar dilemma with my daughter, I was concerned how she would react when the bubble was busted, and I actually lost sleep over the thought of her calling me a liar, I’d always been extremely honest with my child and felt the Santa situation could do irreparable damage to parent child trust, but am also wise enough to know life without magic or heart is pointless. Let them have their own beliefs for as long as they want to. And always with a big Christmas meal. I felt totally betrayed by my parents. I’m guessing your children at 7 and 9 already have a good idea of what is going on and that Santa is a fun part of Christmas. I wish I had this letter when my kids were young! And always with a big Christmas meal. Father Christmas is a wonderful tradition and Christmas would never be the same without him. He lives in everyone’s hearts all year, and once a year, every year without fail, everyone who love’s Santa’s heart, carries on his legacy and create surprises, and keep secrets and stuff sacks, and do all they can to keep Santa’s magical heart alive, because he is that loved, how can someone that loved not matter, and now that you know, it’s now your job, to keep the secret like adults do, and keep his magical heart alive, and make Christmas as much fun every year, just like Santa… by the powers of be, it worked, and we had no angst or betrayal over Santa.