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Why I Believe Santa Claus Is Real Even If My Kids Don’t Anymore

By //  by Candace Sampson 9 Comments

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Do you believe Santa Claus exists? Do you remember believing whole-heartedly that he would arrive? The excitement of knowing when you woke up in the morning that there would be presents under the tree from him? If you close your eyes right now can you transport yourself back to the wonder and magic of it all?

Believe Santa Claus, I still believe in Santa Claus
Me and Santa go way back. Circa 1972.

I can, because I still believe. Oh, there was a time when I doubted that the jolly old elf existed but my parents never wavered. Even when I snooped and found bags of presents hidden in a closet—the same presents that would show up under the tree from Santa—my parents didn’t falter. “Of course, there is a Santa Claus”, they would say with a big smile and knowing winks to each other.

Believe Santa Claus, skeptical but still believe in Santa Claus
Me and Santa get our Thriller on.

For a time, it frustrated me, in the way that only parents can drive teenage children mad. “Stop treating me like a child” I would insist with an eye roll, and they would only smile and maintain Santa Claus did indeed exist. Frustration finally gave way to exasperation. Obviously, they weren’t going to admit it. Fine. I’d just have to play along and hope that one day they would finally come clean.

Believe Santa Claus, Even parents believe in Santa Claus
My Dad, a true believer.

I checked in several times through my twenties. “Come on Dad”, I’d say laughing, “I think you can tell me the truth now.” And my Dad would laugh and say, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I still believe in Santa Claus.” Every year, a present from Santa would be under the tree waiting for me.

This year’s visit with Santa came complete with a furry friend.

And then it happened. I had children of my own and the wonder of Santa Claus was introduced to them. For years, they never questioned his existence, but last year, it finally happened for my daughters. After a few years of tip-toeing around it—just in case presents would be jeopardized—they finally came out and said it. “Admit it, Mom, you’re Santa”. But I’m not I told them, and I meant it.

Believe Santa Claus, Full of wonder, this child believe in Santa Claus
Making sure Santa gets the full list.

Santa Claus is bigger than one person. Santa was around long before my great-great grandparents time, and he will live long after my great-great grandchildren sit on his knee. He is the warmth of the season we feel even when the thermometer dips below zero.  He is the hugs and kisses we give a little more generously to let people know how much we truly love them.  He is the comfort of the season, like the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies and crisp fresh pine from a tree decorated with love. Those familiar and comforting scents have the power to transport each of us back to childhood, when our hearts were full of the wonder and magic of the season. Santa is the pretty packages and ribbons placed under the tree with care. He is the giving that happens when we help others with Christmas hampers and change in a kettle. He is bigger than one person, because he represents the very best of the season.

Believe Santa Claus, Sitting on Santa's lap. My youngest believes in Santa Claus
Cheeks to match the Jolly Old Elf himself.

I can’t help but giggle a little knowing what I’m in for through the teen years. I am ready for the eye-rolls and fingers swirling at their temples as they look at me. It’s okay though, because one day they will believe again and they’ll never stop.

 

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Filed Under: Christmas, Everything Christmas, Holidays Tagged With: adults who believe in Santa, believe santa claus, do you believe in Santa Claus, holiday traditions involving Santa, sitting on Santa's lap, teen with Santa, what to tell kids when they don't believe in Santa anymore

About Candace Sampson

Candace is founder and editor-in-chief of Life in Pleasantville which isn't half as fancy as it sounds. You can find her sharing travel stories on What She Said Radio and on CTV Ottawa Morning Live.

Previous Post: « How to Do Family Travel Right in New York City
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lena

    November 12, 2015 at 9:31 am

    What a wonderful, heartwarming post! Loved taking a trip down memory lane with you.

    Reply
  2. sassymodernmom

    November 12, 2015 at 10:26 am

    There is so much sweetness in this post, and I’m with you, I will always believe in Santa Claus….

    Reply
  3. Andrea

    November 12, 2015 at 11:34 am

    You know…I always wonder if I will ever tell my kids the “truth” about Santa, but after reading this? Not happening. I’m keeping that magic alive forever!

    Reply
  4. Jaime Damak

    November 12, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    You are lucky to have so many pictures of your childhood. I remember asking my mom the exact same questions. Again and again and again !

    Reply
  5. Tonel

    November 13, 2015 at 9:59 pm

    This post warms my heart. I believe:)

    Reply
  6. mrsloulou

    November 15, 2015 at 9:12 am

    So, so lovely, Candace. My boys asked about Santa, and I was like, well, what do you believe? And they told me they don’t believe, but I never come straight out and tell them they are right, because still… the magic of the season… 🙂

    Reply
  7. Sheri

    November 18, 2015 at 9:22 am

    I love your family photos. So sweet.

    Reply
  8. peady

    November 18, 2015 at 10:11 am

    This post (which I have read no fewer than four times) makes me tear up *every* time.

    I *still* believe in Santa, too. Wholeheartedly. I will as long as I live and breathe.

    People just need to understand that magic doesn’t always happen in obvious ways. Uh … Hello!? That’s what makes it magical!

    Your partner in wonder,

    Peady 😀

    P.S. Your parents are awesome. That’s a fact!

    Reply
  9. Eric Forrest

    December 27, 2020 at 10:17 pm

    No. Just no. Don’t do this. You don’t have to keep perpetuating a lie. We don’t have to keep deceiving future generations. Just tell them stories about Santa like you tell stories about Mickey Mouse. You don’t need to look them in the face and lie to them when they are looking for the truth. I’m sorry all you guys are so sentimental about Santa but we need to evolve as a society a bit…where we can be honest AND enjoy Christmas…and admit that there is magic in the world…but that no…Santa did not come through the chimney and put those presents there. It’s just ridiculous. And it’s a lie. A lie. A lie.

    Reply

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