Stabbed by Santa

Big Daddy and I realize we have hit that age... the age where each year as Christmas approaches we have that discussion where we talk about how this may be the last year where Joseph truly believes in Santa. I think thus far we have lucked out in the fact that no one has spilt the beans to him, such as older cousins, friends or him overhearing adults talking. However, he truly is now at that age where it is pure deduction on his part. I think that comes with age, realization of world size, fact and problem solving skills.

But I was hoping the day would never come. It makes me feel old.

The other day as we were getting our shoes on to go somewhere Joseph looks up at me with his wisdomess eyes, blinks hard like he has something to say and then drops the bomb. His words felt like Santa had stabbed me with a sharp utensil. "Mom, I don't think Santa is real"
AKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CRAP!!! Is this an appropriate time to say something like fuckety fuck! What in God's creation do I say....How do I fix this???

me: "what makes you think that?"
joseph: "Well, I was just thinking about, and I just thought that it isn't real"
me: "where do think all the presents come from??"
Then my so loving and not innocent four year old chimes in.
trent: "Well, Mom, ugh, like YOU buy them!"
me: "I don't have any money, so if you think I buy them your fooling yourself. Plus, Santa only delivers to children who believe"
joseph: with both hands raised in the air palms up "I AM A BELIEVER!"

Yeah right. It is sad. I love them believing in the magic of it all. I know that is coming to and end here, fast and furious.

Again, this is a topic that obviously hit the cutting room floor in all the parenting books and magazines. Why isn't there an instruction manual on how to deal with this. Or the hard fact that as your baby is an infant and toddler your shoving Christmas down their throats with expectations of reactions of pure joy...whereas the truth of the matter is they could give a shit they like to rip up and eat little hunks of brightly coloured wrapping paper and wrap the ribbons around their necks. Then they hit that 3-4 age where they realize what is going on and is PURE joy and magic and their eyes light up when you've hit the nail on the head and fulfilled their Christmas dreams. But the balloon shortly bursts as there are very few true years where your child's heart truly believes in Santa.

A car seat installation I can handle...dealing with the truth about Santa...not so much. Can I swap out the instruction manuals???

I guess it is a whole new world. It is a new challenge to get Joseph to let Trent and Addie to continue believing all in the while trying to teach the true meanings of Christmas and how giving is so much more important than receiving.

May you all have a very wonderful Christmas and because I 'heart' the Jews (even thought
Chanukkah has passed) Happy Chanukkah. May your season be filled with family, friends and joy.