I explain to my kids that in our time, "Santa Claus" is not a living person, but a more abstract idea of the spirit of holiday giving. If they choose to not believe "in the spirit of giving" at the holidays, then Santa Claus will cease to exist for them. Then I read to them the classic, "Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus". Finally, I've shown them the actual historical accounts of Saint Nicholas of Myra and the Greek and Byzantine folklore of Basil of Caesarea. So, they know "Santa Claus" was a real person who gave gifts to children, and in the spirit of that tradition we continue it in the modern day.
I think they understand. It's an abstract concept like "love, generosity, and devotion".
I think they understand. It's an abstract concept like "love, generosity, and devotion".
”There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." - Hamlet (1.5.167-8), Hamlet to Horatio.
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