Is there really a Santa Claus?

I never understood why parents tell their kids some fat guy sneaks into the house and leaves things in the first place....why the lies?...I think such things are actually negative fr kids to belive in...pre-brain washing them for their future programming by society and mass media/politics/religion

i've raised 2 children and have my third just starting out:)
yes we celebrated with santa claus, easter bunny, tooth fairy and we will again.
yes there is a real santa claus. his name was saint nicholas and he went around repairing items for families and was a very generous man. there are wonderful books explaining the origins of santa claus to children and the myth and magic. when it comes time to tell them the truth about santa i always made sure that my kids new that i truely do believe in santa claus, just like i believe my gramma smiles down from heaven at me. now the easter bunny is a different story. i actually don't know the origins of such a silly tradition but i still had fun with it. i just told the story of santa claus and the easter bunny belief just tended to subside at the same time. it's important for children to have good imaginations and what better way to teach them this than to tell them stories:)

After Christmas when all the Santa stuff and other things that is related to Christmas were all gone, our toddler asked us where did Santa go. Our answer is in the North Pole to make more presents for her and the little boys and girls next Christmas.

As long as she still believes in it, we will not correct her. When the right time comes, she will know. For now, we let her enjoy what she is, as a child and the magic of childhood.

whew bunch here - No, I don't believe in Santa, hello, I'm a 51 year old mother of 4 I've been playing Santa for over 30 years. With 4 kids and 15 years between the youngest and oldest our family has had a million and one "is there a Santa" stories - older ones knowing the truth but having to pretend for the sake of the younger ones, older ones letting the secret out, oh and lets not forget the youngest writing letters to Santa - and mailing them, needless to say the oldest (20+ at the time)was surprised when he got a letter back from Santa - he had asked for a blonde but Santa said he may want to concider a redhead, none of us new it but the youngest had mailed the older ones 'joke' letter and funny thing is our mail lady was not a blonde but he got a letter from someone.

No there isn't, and I think it is awful they way parents lie to their children about such things like that.

We have no children, so this question that has not come up. However, it is something I have thought about and have not come to any really satisfactory answer.

I remember being enthralled by Christmas and the whole notion of a Santa, so I would not like my child to miss out on this. But, such notions need to be dispelled at some point. What to do?

I don't remember my feeling when first I learned the truth, and I still enjoyed christmas anyway.

I will watch this post and see if I can pick up any tips.

Thanks.

What I told my children was yes there is a Santa but he is in peoples hearts. There is not a real person called Santa. hes real just not a person.That is what I believe as well. i think anyone who gives is Santa Claus. They reflect the true meaning of the word. If you have never done so read a copy of "yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus. Its great. You dont have to tell them anything until they ask. But when they ask, then tell them. Oh and I will always believe:)