My husband took it upon himself to break the news to our youngest that there was no Santa Claus. (I was a little irritated at being left out of the loop on this, but he meant well. Actually, I had to apologize later for a couple of things I said).
Gary sat Sam down, handed him a piece of candy and said, "Son, we need to talk about Santa Claus."
Sam paused in the middle of opening his Tootsie Roll and said, "Oh, you mean that there's no such thing?"
"Uh, yeah," said Gary, startled.
"I already know Dad. It's okay." He reached out and patted his Dad's shoulder. "There isn't an easter bunny or tooth fairy either."
Gary said that he didn't quite know how to proceed after that. Sam went on to chat with him about other mythologies as well and then they moved on to talks about football in the park. A far safer subject matter for both men, I think.
This morning, as I we were learning about Division, I stopped in the middle of counting out pieces of candy (Can you tell we're still getting rid of the Halloween booty?) and asked Sam, "How long have you known there was no Santa Claus?"
He grinned. "Since I was seven."
"How did you figure it out?"
"Come on, Mom. One guy, a bunch of magic reindeer? It wasn't that hard."
"Then why didn't you tell us?"
And he looked at me with a wise expression and said gently, "Because I didn't want to make you sad."
Shoot. That was my last believer . . .
6 comments:
Aww, that is a sweet anecdote.
You should save it for your Robert Fulghum style book about family, kids, growing up - bound to be a winner.
When does the Birds and Bees installment happen?
Geoff
We often underestimate our childrens' intelligence, don't we?
:-)
Were any of your kids ever fascinated with corresponding with the tooth fairy? I've got a whole collection of letters my twins have put under their pillows. They seem to want to stay on good terms in between actual tooth loss-ages.
Good question, Geoff. It varies with each boy. I suspect Sam's going to figure it out before we tell him.
Scotty--With Sam we often under-estimate him. He's the youngest and we keep forgetting that he's not four anymore. Additionally, he's exceptionally bright so what he does and does not know sneaks up on us regularly. He can be counted on to lead with his heart, though, and sometimes it worries me.
CD--I love that story. :) Because we parents are such lousy tooth-fairies, we have an entire collection of facts explaining why she's often late or doesn't come for a few days. Once or twice she's written letters to the boys. My husband is a talented spinner of gossamer and fairy dust tales.
Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and
devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and
joy.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus
http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/
David M
Thank you David. I do believe, I do believe . . .
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