Is Santa Real? - How to Handle Your Child's Google Search

Perhaps it has happened to most of the parents. One moment your little one might be writing a letter to Santa—listing down everything they want—and the next, they might storm into your room with their tablet asking, ‘Is Santa real?’ This question makes almost every parent dread. Here comes—how do you handle this moment without breaking your little one’s heart or revealing the truth that might steal away the whole Christmas magic? Read below this article to explore more about how you can handle your child’s Google search about whether Santa is real.

In this age of kids being the tech-savvy, did you know almost 65 percent of kids aged 8 to 12 own a smartphone and many use it to answer the biggest mysteries, including whether Santa sneaks in through the chimney?

The reality is—the Internet isn't subtle, and it is filled with answers that can even make adults question the existence of the North Pole. But this is probably your chance to turn this tricky question into a narrative and turn a mere simple conversation into a deep discussion.

Every kid loves stories. So the next time when they ask this question, take this as an opportunity to craft a tale that answers their curiosity. Instead of telling them a blunt ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ answer them with a story about how Santa is a symbol of giving and joy. And while he may not live in the North Pole, he actually lives in the hearts of people who believe in spreading kindness. This way you can keep the magic alive while still introducing the idea of Santa’s realness. You can even share your own childhood story of when you believed in Santa and how it made Christmas special for you.

If you notice your child redirecting towards disbelief, remember not to extinguish the Christmas and Santa’s magic completely. It's instead time to swing their curiosity to answer questions such as ‘Do you know why we leave cookies for Santa?’ or ‘Do you know why Santa wears red?’ Let them know how the tradition began and allow them to see Christmas and Santa more as a blend of history, culture, and imagination. Surprisingly, 36 percent of adults still believe in Santa. This shows how grown-ups are even unready to give up the Christmas joy!

One of the best approaches to handle that Santa talk is to let your little ones step into Santa’s shoes for a day. Let them help you wrap gifts for family and pick out the gifts for the needy families. This way they can learn about generosity and how they can be a part of the Christmas magic. After all, engaging in acts of kindness has also been associated with increased happiness and self-esteem. That’s a win-win, of course!

The Santa talks are real for every parent! The only thing you need to recall is Christmas is not about the existence of Santa but the belief in love and generosity that this season brings. So whether your child ends up being a complete Santa believer or a junior Santa, it's time to carry the magic of the season in a cherishing way.