Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Tuesday's Truth: A Fantasy Crushed

Munchie Boy is nearly 12. He is a very sweet and innocent child who believes, with all his heart, in Santa Claus. He has a fondness for the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy as well.

Because Munch is about to enter middle school next week, I felt it was time to lay down the truth regarding Santa Claus. I did not want him to suffer any teasing or bullying by other kids, who can often times be quite cruel. So after dinner last night I decided to broach the subject. Bethany, knowing my plan and not wanting to witness what was, more than likely, going to be painful and sad, left the room. Munch, sensing something big was about to happen, ordered his father from the room as well.

Me: So, what are your thoughts regarding Santa Claus?
Munchie Boy (MB): What do you mean?
Me: I mean, do you still believe in him?
MB: Well, I don't think he got my letter last year.
Me: There is a good reason for that, for you see Santa
MB: (interrupting) It's just that I saw the letter I wrote when I was searching for my Dave and Buster's coupon.
Me: Oh. Well then...what do you think about that?
MB: I think that you forgot to mail my letter.

Mr. Sister, sensing we were running around in circles, decided to return to the room and give his 2 cents. I will let him tell you all what he said (either in the commentary below, or on his own blog). Let's just say there was some laughter but there were also tears. I wanted to be gentle in giving Munch the truth...Mr. Sister thought it best to quickly get to the point. I don't know. I think either way would have probably induced the same amount of tears.

Back to the conversation.

Me: So you remember the story of St. Nicholas? And you already know he is the saint on whom the legend of Santa Claus is based.
MB: (sniff) Yeah.
Me: Anyway, we are called by God to emulate, to be like the saints. St. Nicholas was very caring, compassionate and giving. So by example, in honor of our Lord's birth, we, too, become giving.
MB: (wiping tears) Okay.
Me: This is also why we participate in the Angel Tree program at church...so we can be Santa to the less fortunate.
MB: Oh.
Me: And just because you now know the truth doesn't mean "Santa" won't leave you any presents at Christmastime.
MB: (smiling weakly) Good.

But all was not lost dear friends for this story does have a happy ending. After our conversation, Mr. Sister took all of us to the Sprint store and, being like Santa, purchased new cell phones for me and the little Sisters!  (Can we say "unlimited texting and social networking"?) But that's a post for another day.

18 comments:

Julie Kwiatkowski Schuler said...

oh! It's just a little sad! I wonder if I will have to tell mine or they will spy on me some year and figure it out.

Brian Miller said...

the death of innocent dreams...ah, it gets to me...i think my oldest actually knows...

L.B. said...

I dread having to have a similar talk with the girls about Santa, so I'm enjoying this time when they absolutely believe in Santa and the Tooth Fairy. It's just so enjoyable seeing their eyes light up with wonder and joy when the Tooth Fairy visits.

Pelican Joe said...

I actually wrote down my side of the story -- If you want to know what Really happened -- http://pelicanrants.blogspot.com/2010/08/truth-about-easter-bunny-and-santa.html

S. Susan Deborah said...

So many times one makes up lovely stories and then have to tell that it was just a built fantasy. Tooth-fairy is another game like that. Life has many things like that.

I am glad for the presents at the end of the small story.

Life happens . . .

Joy always,
Susan

Tiffany said...

at least things went reasonably well. poor guy. i have no idea how i'm going to handle that conversation when the day comes...

Deborah Kay at The Paint Splash said...

What a sweet story. My oldest 2 grandchildren star high school this year. Time fly s by so quickly. It was awesome that you could bring God and is gift into the story. Debbie

I'm a full-time mummy said...

Awww... this is a bit sad but I'm glad it has a happy ending!

Unknown said...

awwww! He sounds like such a little sweetie. I'm amazed he has believed this long--you're lucky. But you are right, kids would've teased him. I'm glad he found out from you!

Congrats on the new phones!

Weezer said...

WHAT!!! No Santa. This is a real nice way to find out.

What a great way to handle this. I just wish I'd known about the tooth fairy. What about the Easter bunny?

Weezer
(Seriously. It was a really sad day for me when the last of my girls announced that she knew the truth about Santa.)

Bibi @ Bibi's Culinary Journey said...

Awwwww, Munchie Boy.

My hubs would be just like Mr.Sister. He calls it his Band-Aid solution. Quick and almost painless,lol.

Yeeey, for new phones. Go, Mr.Sister

Anonymous said...

so sad, so sweet ;)


Steven Anthony
Man Dish~Metro Style

Meeko Fabulous said...

Poor baby! :( My niece doesn't believe in Santa anymore either. I don't, but it's still magical, you know?

Jenny said...

I am pretty shocked here. Are you sure about this? There is no Santa?

drollgirl said...

oh god! the santa scam! it is such a double-edged sword that the santa myth keeps on keeping on. presents are great and all, but finding out that it was a SCAM really sucks. wah!

Tina said...

Hey Polly,
Never wanting to have to have this conversation with my kids, "You mean there's no Santa and no Easter Bunny and no Tooth Fairy, but that Jesus is real???" We chose not to do any of those things with our boys. But we also told them that a lot of kids have fun believing these things, so they were not to breathe a word about it. Worked. Your munchie boy sounds amazing. Glad this whole talk went so well for you in the end. (the Engineer is also a subscriber to the whole rip the band aid off thing...so I hear you there... Me, I was chicken and never went there :-)

Raoulysgirl said...

This makes me a little sad!!! :(

I had to play Tooth Fairy just last night and I was thinking to myself that I am not sure how much longer Tacha will be a "believer." I'm hoping she is able to carry it on for a little while longer...because Mommy's not ready to have that conversation just yet!!!! <3

Nessa said...

Even though I know the "truth", I still believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy, too.

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