I don’t even know what to say to him. It breaks my heart because I feel like I took away a little piece of his childhood, but I also don’t want to keep lying to him. How do you handle these conversations without losing all the magic? He’s upset and I don’t know how to comfort him. Is this normal? I’ve been trying to distract him with other fun holiday stuff, but it feels like the joy is just… gone.
What do I do now? My 8 year old found out Santa isn’t real, and he’s somewhere between angry and sad
Ahh, I’m so sorry. It’s a tough one, right? When my kid found out, I felt exactly the same. You just want to keep the magic alive for them, but they’re growing up and it’s a part of that process. My son was sooo mad when he found out, and it was so hard to figure out how to talk to him about it without crushing everything. You’re not alone in this!
I totally get that feeling. But there’s hope! My kid was upset, but over time, we started to focus on the spirit of giving and creating new traditions around the holidays. It actually helped him feel like he was part of something bigger, and he even started to enjoy playing Santa for his little cousin. It’s definitely not the same as before, but it can be just as magical in a different way. You’ll get through this!
Ugh, I’ve been through this! When my older one found out, they were mad for DAYS. I felt like I had ruined Christmas or something. We ended up watching a bunch of holiday movies, and I told them Santa is like the spirit of Christmas, they didn’t love it at first, but now, they’re on board. They still help with setting out cookies and pretending for the younger kids in the family, which is kinda cute.
When this happened with my kid, I was really nervous about how to handle it. What worked for us was focusing on the bigger picture. I talked about how holidays are about family, kindness, and the fun we share together. We even made a new tradition where they help me ‘spread the magic’ to younger relatives. It helps them still feel special, but in a way that’s more age, appropriate. Hope that helps!
Ugh, this hits close to home. My 9 year old found out a year ago, and I was crushed. You just feel like you’re losing that sweet innocence, you know? It’s hard to explain why things change, and they don’t always get it. I just tried to let them express their feelings and keep some of the old holiday magic alive, even if it’s different. It was tough, but we got through it together. You will too!
When my son found out, I didn’t want to lie to him anymore either, but I didn’t want to take away his sense of wonder. We ended up talking about how the magic of Santa isn’t about one person, but about the joy we bring to others. He was upset, but also understood that it’s part of growing up. We still make cookies, and I let him help ‘play Santa’ for his younger cousins. It’s not the same, but it’s still fun.
When this happened with my oldest, I was surprised by how long it took him to really process it. I think I focused too much on not ruining Christmas for him, but really, it was about letting him grieve that childhood innocence. Once he was able to accept it, he even helped me with setting up presents for his younger sibling. We found new ways to make the holidays special. It’s not about the magic of Santa, but about family and togetherness. You’ll find your way!
I totally feel you. I’m dealing with this right now, and I don’t know how to make it better. My kid is so angry and sad at the same time, and it’s hard to know what to say. I feel like I’m stuck between keeping the holidays fun but also being honest. Does anyone else feel like this totally changes how you celebrate the holidays? I’m just not sure how to make it feel magical again.
It will get better! My daughter was upset at first, but after a while, she started to enjoy helping with the “Santa” stuff for her little cousin. It’s been so cool watching her embrace the magic in a different way. You’re doing the right thing by being honest. It might take some time, but you’ll find new traditions that make the holidays just as special!
As a mom of older kids, I can tell you that the transition is hard, but it doesn’t mean the magic is over. After my oldest found out, we ended up making the holidays about us doing things together, like volunteering, baking, and making crafts. My younger kids still have the “magic,” but my older ones now love being part of making it happen for the younger ones. It’s a new chapter, but still special!
It will get better! My daughter was upset at first, but after a while, she started to enjoy helping with the “Santa” stuff for her little cousin. It’s been so cool watching her embrace the magic in a different way. You’re doing the right thing by being honest. It might take some time, but you’ll find new traditions that make the holidays just as special!