General Chat

My mother used to remind me that if she didn't have any children, it would be unlikely that I would produce any either. :-S

Ours were always taught that the Father Christmas' about were his helpers as he was too busy getting all the toys ready and packed for Christmas.

Our g.dau was 8 yrs when she announced from the back of the car that she did not believe - so I said the same as someone else on here - If you don't believe, he doesn't come.

Once in our house she checked with her uncle and g.dad and as she knew no way would her uncle would tell a lie when he announced that he still hung his stocking up at night and it was full the next morning (that was true anyway) it must be Father Christmas.

A few weeks later six of us had booked into Marwell Zoo for a day and Father Christmas. In the hall later she whispered 'He is the real Father Christmas and he must have come special as his beard was real'.

It was a real beard and an magnificent one at that. Put Captain Birds Eye to shame.

Childhood does not last long nowadays, - let us keep the magic for them as long as we can.

Oh Ann, I was 9 years old when our teacher (our first male teacher) said on the first day back after Christmas ... nobody here still believes in Santa Claus do they? well ... up until then, I did. :-)

Our Granddaughter still believed (or said she did) when she was 7. I think at the ages of 6 - 7 they sort of know the truth but are frightened to admit it in case they are wrong. It is a shame to spoil the magic for them too soon.

We always told our children and grandchildren that the Santas in the shops are Santas helpers as well. Mainly because children are quite clever and soon realise that it is difficult to be in more than one place at a time. :-D

In my family the very little children have always been told that the Santas they see out and about are really just 'Santa's helpers' because he is too busy putting together the goods for his rounds to be everywhere before Christmas. That way it could be explained that somebody in a Santa suit might not be a real 'Santa's helper'.

It does take just a moment for a short person to go astray in a crowded store if a back is turned or a parent's attention is scattered ... and even some slightly older children are a little naive about Santa and such ... and there are people who lure children and a Santa suit might be a good cover for doing that.

Not likely but it could be as good an opportunity as any to remind a child never to go anywhere with anyone, even somebody who pretends to be Santa.

Paula, That is a very inteligent Child,He,ll go far. :-D :-D

DET Our seven year old Grandson told me on Saturday that he did not believe in Father Christmas. I told him not to tell the little ones and not to spoil it for them, I then went onto say that when you stop believing in Father Christmas he stops coming to you. A little while later he came back to me and said he was only joking and does believe in him really. <3 <3 <3

Children have different reactions to Father Christmas - some are a bit scared of him. One of ours wouldn't have their stocking in their bedroom; it had to be on the outside of his door.

5/6 may seem a little young to be disillusioned about FC, but once they start school there is usually a peer who will let the cat out of the bag. Those children often have older siblings who in turn are too young to understand discretion.

I didn't say that Sharron. I know Uzzi would have loved to have had kids of her own.

Oh dear YES I was only jesting I know most children are wonderful really and I am sorry if I have upset any of you with my description.

Sharron it wasn´t me who did the I haven´t children so what do I know ...I was informed it when I said that surely the children would be with a parent when going to see Father Christmas.

Liz the eldest child must be about 5/6. (they are at school) which to me seemed rather young to have the joy of Xmas spoiled.

I can understand the woman's line of thought but maybe it would be better to make sure her children know they mustn't go off with anyone even a family friend without perhaps a password being given or something, then anyone dressed as Santa to steal children or any other fun outfit wouldn't be a worry. How old was the older child to be told that there isn't a Santa?

I love your descriptions of children Uzzi, do you think someone will put a hex on you if you actually use the word lol?

Lizxxx

Who hasn't? I was just saying that mine don't bite....weren't we supposed to say anything?....oh whoops...too late!

Oh please. Not the "You've never had kids have you?""bit.

I once had 2-legged bitey things, as you call them Uzzi - now (aged 30 upwards) they are 3 of my true best friends, so please don't knock 2-legged bitey things.

4-legged things can be bitey too, as I'm sure you know ;-) :-D

2 legged bitey things?....I hope you are jesting Uzzi....mine didn't bite nor were they 'things'.....we are talking about children I take it? :-S

Kitty and Ann I think that´s interesting that you both disagree as that was my original thought, but not having any of those 2 legged bitey things what do I know ,(as I was informed). But it did make me wonder

Mmm think I agree with Kitty :-)

I don't agree Uzzi............little ones who are taken to see Santa always be with an adult under close supervision.

The older children who are out and about on their own or a good distance from their adults in shops or wherever will think Santa in the shop is just a man dressed up and would treat him as they do other strangers.

Children lose the magic of Christmas early enough as it is, to see little eyes light up (unless they get a bit scared of the bearded one) at Santa is a wonderful memory.

:-)

Now I know I am a bah-humbug but this didn´t come from me.

Talking to somebody who has those small adults that scream, she said she has told her children that Santa is invisible, although she told the elder there is no such thing as Santa.
WHY you may ask I did ...

The answer is scarey

because her children would follow Santa anywhere, sit on his knee, get in his car. she was worried that Santa might be a pervert !
When you think about it the worries are valid.