Christine Dychiao
We started out telling them about Santa, but they eventually figured out that he wasn’t real. Last year, Berry found out the real score from her classmate. Just this week, my son Xavi asked if he could open a gift he got from the school’s Santa and when I told him to wait until Christmas because it was a gift from Santa (which, of course, really came from us), he said, “That’s not Santa, I saw his real hair!” So, yeah, the game is up in our household.
That said, we’ll be focusing instead on the spirit of sharing and spending time with family, not just during the holiday season but all throughout the year.
Tim Tam Ong
Yes, I still make my kids believe in Santa. I believe that it is important, considering all the negative things happening in the world today, that our children believe in something representing hope, love and happiness. More than gifts they receive from “him,” I tell them about who St. Nicholas is, a protector and helper of those in need—someone they can pray to as they face life’s challenges.
The St. Nicholas or Santa Claus character connects with children so much. It makes Christmas and life more meaningful for them.
Riza Torres
My son Tristan is just beginning to understand and appreciate Christmas and all its “trimmings,” as he is only 4 years old. I asked him this morning if he knows Santa, and he said yes. “Santa prepares and gives gifts to all of us.” He has heard of and seen Santa in malls, on Disney Channel shows and in school, so how can I contest that?
As a mom, I’d like my son to believe in the concept of Santa as one who shows generosity and kindness to children, as well as underprivileged families and those in trouble. I want my son to always be excited about the Christmas season, and Santa plays a part. But I equally emphasize that this season is all about the celebration of Papa Jesus’ birth.
Dr. Joyce Tupas-Edaño
I want them to always remember the happy, magical feeling Santa Claus gives to everyone. He is a reminder that being generous, especially to those in need, is a noble deed, and in return, gifts or rewards always come to good people.
Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo
I grew up believing in Santa Claus, and it always brings back happy memories of childhood. So I don’t want my kids to not experience that. I tell them and read to them stories of Santa Claus and his elves bringing gifts to well-behaved kids to encourage them to remember the right values they should uphold. But more than that, I never fail to emphasize to the kids what Christmas is truly about, and that is the birth of baby Jesus and the gift of life and hope. They’re always so delighted to listen to stories of Jesus’ birth in the manger.
—SEVEN BARRETTO
Charmagne Garcia-Laconico
My husband and I have a cutoff. Last year, we talked to our eldest daughter Tara, who was 10 years old, about the reality that she’s no longer getting a special gift from Santa because, well, Santa is really Mom and Dad. She cried hard! I guess we were so convincing during her younger years. Her sister, Loren, helped her search the whole house just in case Santa left her Ate’s present somewhere else. It was such a touching moment; Loren did not want her sister to feel that she was not good enough that year.
You see, each year, we explained to them that Santa really rewarded kids who have been good in school and obedient to their parents. Then, before Christmas, they would write Santa their wish list and leave it at our veranda. It cultivated a conscientious mentality in them and they got creative with their notes through the years. It saddens me that they are growing up too fast! I love how their eyes lit up each time they opened their presents from Santa.