We moved to a new school in another state in December. At my prior school, everyone in third grade totally believed. At my new school, no one did. I came home and asked my parents what the hell was going on. My mom burst into tears (she cried when she found out Santa wasn’t real as a child). My dad, ever the pragmatist, told me that Santa always came to those who believed AND left out their stockings. Ok, Santa’s not real, but I still get presents? Yeah, my stocking is out every year!

My oldest is in the 4th grade and I think she is gradually realizing Santa isn’t quite real (she wants to know if I’ve seen the “real” Santa since the mall Santas are just “helpers”). My son in 2nd grade is CONVINCED he’s real even though his classmates have told him otherwise. This is bolstered by the Tooth Fairy just delivering a little Lego toy instead of a dollar (he didn’t tell us, just wrote a letter).