Santa - Hinckley, IL

He probably won't recognize the difference. Here's a funny story I recall from my childhood:

In my neighborhood growing up, we always had one of the dads dress up as Santa and visit all the houses. On a Saturday afternoon, Santa visited our house right before we had to go to a family Christmas party given by my dad's work, which was about 45 minutes away.

So after we visit with Santa (who we knew had to visit the other houses), we load up in the car and go to the work party and guess who is there? Santa, but obviously not the same one from the neighborhood. I remember thinking to myself in my 4 year old way of thinking "Wow! Santa's sleigh and reindeer must be fast for him to visit all those kids and make it to the party on time!" I NEVER thought they were two different people.

The truth came out in my 20s when my mom and dad were joyfully recalling that story over a Christmas dinner. I had to laugh at myself for being so 'gullible'. I also found out that the Santa was actually the father of one of the neighborhood children with whom I was good friends in high school - I never even noticed!

The moral of the story is that you might not need to worry too much about it. Use the 'fast sleigh' excuse. If you're not comfortable with that, if there is a noticeable difference older then say "wow, Santa must be worn out from working so hard" or if the difference is younger then say "Looks like Santa took a nap and looks much more rested."

And, if I'm a bad person because I'm encouraging you to tell white lies then so be it :)

I have no words of advise but just wanted to say enjoy this time now. Before you know it they grow up and this time of innocence is over. It was a sad day in our house when our youngest figured it out. This will be the first christmas since the truth has been discovered, but I did not retire Santa. He'll be visiting, but I know it won't be the same... Leave a cookie for santa from me please!

Sometimes the best thing to do with kids is to turn the question unto them. If he does ask you,you could explain that Santa cannot be everywhere at once. Tell him that there are many shopping malls, breakfast with Santa, etc... and that he needs to send his helpers/brothers to help him during this busy season.

If that does not seem to "sit well" with him.... then turn the question unto him and say, " Well then... what do YOU think??? Why do you think he looks different from the Santa that you saw last? I do this with my twins, and a lot of the times, they answer their questions in a way that seems fitting to them.

I believed until I was in 6th grade (I know, crazy!), and my mom always told me they were his workers because he was so busy at the north pole. She told me not to hurt the other ones feelings by saying they didn;'t look like santa. It worked well witjh me obviously!

Lol. Last year at daycare one of the male teachers dressed up as Santa. My son (2.5) kept telling me (in his 2 y/o way) that it was Mr. Chris - not Santa. He recognized the shoes that Chris had on. It was easy to explain away then.

My mom used the "Santa helpers" with us when we got a little older. If he does notice a difference, I'd just tell him that it's the same man and insist on it. I'm curious if he notices, though.

Enjoy it.