The Beginning of the End
Candy Man called me from The Boy's karate studio to tell me some news.
News I knew was coming, but couldn't bear to hear.
The Boy told him that some kids were talking about Santa Claus.
Then he asked what a "myth" was. The conversation moved on before any information was dispelled, but it's coming. CM feels strongly that if The Boy asks, he needs to know the truth.
I just want one more Christmas. We are so close. The Boy has never questioned it until now.
We can stretch this out, right?
I don't now why I am so sad about this. Like really sad. Like devastated. Like bawling my eyes out.
I have relished his milestones, even the little ones, knowing that this is my only shot.
I cry myself to sleep on every one of his birthdays (my poor husband). And, while I celebrate him growing and and love seeing him develop into the wonderful creature he is, I mourn the passing of his childhood.
It's just going too fast.
The idea that my time with a child who believes in the magic of Santa is over, is just too much.
I know Christmas is still special, the traditions, the memories.
I'm just having one of those moments when I want to stop time.
Or at least, slow it down.
Great. Now I am going to be totally puffy tomorrow. Sigh.
Comments
Maybe your son will hold out on the questions until after Christmas? I think most kids don't want to let go of Santa Clause either.
I know that this may be the very last year when my little guy (who turns 8) will believe in the magic of Santa and this is truly breaking my heart.
I don't have any words that will make it all better for you, I'm sorry. But, as a mother who's heart aches as yours, I hope you are comforted by knowing that you are not alone. I send to you many cyber hugs and much love as you embrace this time and perhaps let go of another.
I remember not wanting to give that up as a child. When I found out, I did not say a word. Christmas morning would come and all the presents would be marked "Love, Santa". Up until the point that I moved out as an adult. I guess my mom felt the same way!
Here's to one more year for your boy to believe!!
I hope you can stretch it out another year! Lord knows I am sure going to try to!
Now the tooth fairy on the other hand. When you don't believe in her, she stops coming. So...maybe they think that will happen if they voice their thoughts about Santa? :-)
It is times like this i wish my beans were younger and still believed in Santa
It sure seems like they grow up fast my oldest is in 9th grade getting redy to get her drivers permit-talk about cryin yourself to sleep I.Feel.Your.Pain
Thank you.
I have never come right out and said there is no such thing as Santa Clause. It'd be like saying I don't believe in fairies.
I want them to be babies for a while longer. Because next thing you know, we'll be at their wedding, after we've convinced them that fall is NOT a good time to get married. We have football to watch.
Give him a hug from me. Because I want to hug him. And you.
1 word. Cucumbers. They draw the moisture out of your puffy eyes.
there's no Santa?
OMG!!!!!
But my oldest (who will be 8 in Feb) has been asking for one of those magic-elf-on-the-shelf elves... she talks about it non-stop. How they come to life at night and all. And part of me thinks "Really? She's seriously into this??!!?"... but then another part of me relishes that she's still a little girl :)
Both boys hinted before (couple of years ago) - they asked if he was real. I just said that as long as you believe his is then he is real.
Just tell them Santa's real & to shut up!! :-)
Hugs,Tiffany. Christmas will still be wonderful, just a little different in it's own special ways.
If you want to get another year or two, just tell him Santa only comes to those who believe :)
i remember when i was in the 2nd grade and our teacher told us. i was one of 5 kids that cried so hard we had to go to the nurse. my daddy came to the school and he and 3 other parents gave her a stern talking to and THEN told the whole class that our teacher was a LIAR...oh my..it was awesome!!
my parents always said, "those who believe receive"
dude...good enough for me..i STILL believe and its working out ok.
I still have them....
Thankfully the ToothFairy, Leprechauns and the Easter Bunny are still "totally" real!
I so hate this. My 8 next month daughter is in the same boat. I think this is our last year.
I've thought about what to say when the day finally comes. In a way, I think telling them that Santa is really a parent who loves you -- who knows what you like, who knows if you are naughty or nice -- isn't such a bad thing. Just a little bit more information about the "man behind the curtain" like in the Wizard of Oz. Sure it isn't as magical but it is still a lovely thing.
Good luck dealing with this.
You poor thing. That must be so hard for you. But when you get through each milestone, you become a little bit stronger for it.
Doesn't take away from the sadness though. I wish I could cheer you up with a cookie or something.
I told him it was magic, of course.
The smart ones totally ruin it for the rest of us.
Here's to one more Christmas of Santa! I hope he doesn't ask about it!!!
I hope you can stretch the magic of Christmas for your boy at least one more year!
Merry Christmas, friend!
That is a sad thing. I remember having my Santa bubble burst at the tender age of 7 or 8. It was almost too much to bear, but as a parent, I can't imagine him being too old to believe. That's got to be hard. Hopefully you'll still have this year to relish his Christmas innocence.
For some reason, Elijah guessed that Santa wasn't real before he turned 6. Isabel is turning 9, and still believes. And hopefully, I've got awhile with Gabe.
So bittersweet, this growing up. I'm with you; I want to put on the brakes sometimes. And just capture their innocence and wonder.
I'm glad you wrote this post. You are such a great mom. That boy of yours is a lucky guy.
Part of me feels some relief, though, like not having to give my daughter the "talk" about it (she talked to my husband). And part of me is sad.
And cry. It is ok. I am sure your precious little boy is turning into a wonderful man! Look towards the wonderful future of his life! :) Blessings!
When my children ask if he is real or pretend. I recount The history of ST nick.. I then exsplane that there are many santas. The magic of santa lives in everyone.
My son is 8...I am waiting for the day. It makes me so sad. Why can't he be innocent just a little longer?
Hugz,
Michele
I know my girls don't believe that there is a man who flies through the night delivering gifts......but there won't be a moment in time when they will hear me say that Santa isn't real.
Why? Because the "magic" of Santa is real!
I know a lot of people feel they need to tell their kids the "truth." But come on......you don't tell your kids the truth about everything!
Ask your son if believing in Santa is fun......if his answer is yes, then you tell him to keep believing in the magic!
*SITS*
"There is no man that can possible make it all the way around the the world and deliver toys to all the good girls and boys. No man but Santa."
I thought it was a sweet story...I hope your son believes for at least one more year!
You could always tell him that as long as he believes there will always be a present under the tree from Santa.
My daughter was 12 when the BUS DRIVER told her & the other kids about santa.
I was so mad I knew it was coming but the bus driver she was such a beast.
everything will be okay though.
Found your site from the STIS site. LOVE IT!!! Great job, Tiffany!
When the hubs told me she was crawling in the closet and nearly found her gifts I was crying with the very notion of the magic being ruined for her. Not that we wouldn't have made it right even if she had found what we've got hidden, but I had a peek into the future, of not being able to sustain the magic, and it broke my heart. They truly do grow up too fast.