Sandra Dodd

In a message dated 12/2/05 5:29:04 PM,
sandrewmama@... writes:

-=-She didn't believe me. Her response was, "No,
really!" She asked me
the same question with the same
response at least two more times. Then she changed
her question to,
"Is Santa Claus Real?" I answered
honestly. She repeated her question again and I think
I asked her
what she wanted me to tell her. She said,
"The TRUTH!" so I answered honestly again. Then I
think I heard her
little heart break and she started bawling.-=-


I think asking them what they want to believe is
kinder than blunt honesty. Asking repeatedly or
expressing disbelief in the answer is an indication
that's not the answer she wanted.

I've done gifts the way my parents did, which is
wrapped gifts are from known, real people. Only the
Christmas stocking is from Santa. That has been a
help as the kids figured it out or asked. Nothing
changed but the idea about the stockings.

-=-Just thought I'd share our experience. Any advice
or comfort?-=-

Maybe you could tell her you're sorry she's sad, and
ask her whether she thinks it would've been better if
you had just told a little of the truth at a time.
Maybe she'll have good ideas for other families.

I also think things like that shouldn't be told while
you're driving. It's like announcing a death. There
are reasons for all that getting a box of kleenex
handy and sitting down with the person and being close
enough to hold a hand and giving a hug.

Sandra

Sandra Dodd

In a message dated 12/2/05 5:29:04 PM,
sandrewmama@... writes:

-=-She didn't believe me. Her response was, "No,
really!" She asked me
the same question with the same
response at least two more times. Then she changed
her question to,
"Is Santa Claus Real?" I answered
honestly. She repeated her question again and I think
I asked her
what she wanted me to tell her. She said,
"The TRUTH!" so I answered honestly again. Then I
think I heard her
little heart break and she started bawling.-=-


I think asking them what they want to believe is
kinder than blunt honesty. Asking repeatedly or
expressing disbelief in the answer is an indication
that's not the answer she wanted.

I've done gifts the way my parents did, which is
wrapped gifts are from known, real people. Only the
Christmas stocking is from Santa. That has been a
help as the kids figured it out or asked. Nothing
changed but the idea about the stockings.

-=-Just thought I'd share our experience. Any advice
or comfort?-=-

Maybe you could tell her you're sorry she's sad, and
ask her whether she thinks it would've been better if
you had just told a little of the truth at a time.
Maybe she'll have good ideas for other families.

I also think things like that shouldn't be told while
you're driving. It's like announcing a death. There
are reasons for all that getting a box of kleenex
handy and sitting down with the person and being close
enough to hold a hand and giving a hug.

Sandra

diana jenner

Sandra Dodd wrote:

I've done gifts the way my parents did, which is
wrapped gifts are from known, real people. Only the
Christmas stocking is from Santa. That has been a
help as the kids figured it out or asked. Nothing
changed but the idea about the stockings.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

This is what I do too!!! We've sometimes hired a Santa to come over on Christmas Eve, but the kids have figured out that the big garbage bag I carry out just before he arrives is filled with their presents. They've requested his return again this year :)

On a lighter note: Two boys were discussing the existence of Satan after church one day... One boy says, "I figure it's just like Santa -- probably our dads"

:) diana



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]