Huron Expositor, 2014-12-03, Page 7The truth about Santa
Naomi Pelss,
director of Seaforth
Co-operative Children's Centre
and mother of three
My 10 -year-old daughter
Grace knows the truth about
Santa and has known for sev-
eral years now.
I believe she was only
7 -years -old when her father
told her.
I remember the exact
moment my husband con-
fessed to me that he had told
her the truth. I was very disap-
pointed. I believed she was too
young to have this childhood
magic taken away. What a loss
of innocence, she was just a
little girl.
But as my husband
explained his reasoning, I fully
understood and agreed she
needed to know the truth.
Our daughter has always
been a little wise beyond her
years. She seemed to be strug-
gling with the whole Santa
myth for a few months before
outright asking her father if
Santa was real. Leading up to
the moment of truth, she had
sho
su
Hca
asked us many, many ques-
tions. It was like she knew and
we were all just keeping up
this facade.
One of the major reasons
my husband told her was
because he believes in being
honest with our children and
the importance of trust. His
daughter was seeking answers
and had come to him for the
truth. He wanted to set the
stage early and he wanted her
to know if she was ever
searching for the truth or
needed to talk to him about
something that was bothering
her, she could go to him. He
would listen to her, talk with
her and most importantly tell
her the truth.
They had a lengthy talk
about Santa and why we keep
the idea magical for little ones.
She understood.
My husband had made the
right decision in telling her, I
see that now. However, I am
not saying we should all tell
our 7 -year-olds the truth about
Santa.
I still believe in Santa.
I believe in many things.
I believe in letting young
children have those magical
moments, to support their
incredible imaginations and
hold on to that childhood
innocence just as long as
possible.
I believe in giving them
something to look forward to,
a sparkle in their eyes.
The truth will surface even-
tually. And, as adults, there
seem to be many truths we
wish we didn't know, many
truths we wish we didn't have
to face.
Life can be hard and I
believe our intention as par-
ents is to protect our children
from some of the ugly truths
of life while they are young.
They will be adults soon
enough.
For now, let them be chil-
dren. I understand why some
parents choose to tell their
children the truth about Santa.
I understand why my husband
told our daughter and he
understands why I choose not
to tell our boys the truth.
Not yet anyway.
Wishing you all a merry,
magical Christmas - whatever
you believe.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 • Huron Expositor 7
Whitney South, Huron Expositor
Seaforth Hospital's
Tree of lights
The Seaforth Community
Hospital threw the switch on
their Tree of Lights, Nov. 30.
Those in attendance enjoyed
Christmas entertainment and
refreshments, sponsored by the
hospital Auxiliary.
Letters to Santa from the Seaforth
Co-operative Children's Centre
Dear Santa,
Fill up all our stockings with
candy, books and puzzles.
Daddy eats all the candy so
send a little bit more.
Love,
Hayley
Age, 2
Dear Santa,
I hope you don't get sick.
I want a helicopter, puzzle,
that's all.
Mommy wants a new car,
our tire gets out air.
Daddy doesn't want nothing.
Love,
Henry
Age, 2
Dear Santa,
Mommy needs an oven,
daddy needs a tractor.
I want a John Deere roller
tractor dump truck, bean
truck and a buggie.
Bring Joel a tractor, Payten
wants a pretend doll.
Love,
Lucas
Age, 3
Dear Santa,
Bring a present.
I want a book and a puzzle.
A toy car.
My sister wants a doll.
Daddy wants a boat.
Mommy needs slippers.
Love,
Russell
Age, 2
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