From the moment my kids started to ask questions like who is Santa ? where is Santa ? etc I would explain to them that Santa is a man that truly lived and that we celebrate Xmas after his example. The popular conception of Santa Claus originates from folklore traditions surrounding the 4th-century Christian bishop Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children. Saint Nicholas became renowned for his reported generosity and secret gift-giving.

If you can keep the magic alive then do so.

If he is asking questions then in his heart of hearts he already knows – but he’ll keep going along with it to get the presents.

I’m surprised a 12 year old can make it to that age and still believe. We haven’t really made an effort to make our kids believe in Santa, they have had times where they believe, but kids are smart enough to work these things out whether you choose to lie to them or not.

I told my son when he was in Grade 6, heading into Year 7. He’s the type of child that will fight to the death for something he believes in, so we let him know then to avoid him being picked on and bullied. Once he was told, the magic really does stop. It’s sad because it changes things. He never felt we lied to him, and he then asked many questions that we would laugh about. But the magic goes and that’s sad.

Our 8 year old has started questioning it. We don’t deby it but because she has younger siblings we just tell her if she doesn’t believe then he won’t come to her.

I will never confirm or deny the existence of magic and fantasy. The world is harsh enough, even as an adult I want to be able to believe in the possibility of something magical.

As a child I was always told, “for those that believe Santa comes and those that don’t their parents will give them a gift”. It was never a lie by my parents and we (older brother and myself) knew the truth fairly young but didn’t spoil anything for my sister (6 years younger).
At 12, if your son doesn’t know I would be letting him know so he isn’t teased at school but he more than liking knows.

I was told at 5 years old by awful boys in class he wasn’t real but refused to believe them in case Santa didn’t visit. Was devastated when my parents told me at 12. It was probably the best time to find out, before going to high school though.

There’s no correct age to tell them Santa’s not real. They do work it out for themselves. We never told our boys the truth, they just worked it out for themselves.

I wouldn’t bother telling th m Santa isn’t real they just figure it out themselves especially when they get older and are attending school. Just go with the flow.

I knew way before high school. I can’t even remember when but I think it was around the age of 7 or 8… just like them, it was kids at school saying the same thing that Santa wasn’t real.
I don’t know when I’ll break it to my kids, they’re only 3 and 1 at the moment so I’ll keep it up for as long as I can!

My children knew before 12 probably around 10 the oldest, but he kept the theme going with me for the younger ones till they got close to that age too. It’s a nice feeling for them, but I guess that the new family moving in next door who didn’t believe in presents, not even for birthdays, had something to do with my children growing up a little more quickly.

We don’t do Santa in our household. Our kids know about the Santa story but they enjoy opening presents from their family, not some old man with a beard

Our 12 year old knows that this knowledge is now in his hands and it is his special job to keep the tradition going for the next generation.

I think every child is different but I will be sad the day this happens for my son… Christmas is so much more special as a Mum.. especially to a toddler.

I suspect he’s well aware that Santa doesn’t exist, he probably is keeping up the pretext for you, so things aren’t spoilt for you

He Knows! He want you to know it’s ok Santa Mum and Dad and family. He probably doesn’t want to upset you. So let him grow up and ask him if he’d like to help with the Christmas shopping everything from decorating the tree to grocery shopping. Help with lists etc. That can be fun too. Kids at 12 these days are ready for anything. Happy Christmas!

My son is an only child so it was easier to keep the magic going a little longer. We told him before he started high school so there would be no fights or awkard moments of him defending Santa. It’s sad when they know… Christmas changes and you don’t have to hide anything anymore.

I will probably keep the magic going.