My four year old saw an add for Toys for Tots today. He asked what that was and I explained it was to get toys for kids whose families needed help to the presents. Our neighbors whom we are very close to do not do Santa...so we have already talked about believing to receive. So he asked if they believed in Santa why do people have to collect toys. I was unprepared. But I told him that Santa doesn't always bring toys. That sometimes he does other things like keeping a family warm on a cold night, or making sure they get to eat dinner that night. Or maybe just making sure everyone is together and healthy. I told him there were all kinds of Christmas magic and it doesn't always mean toys. He seemed satisfied with that and asked if we could donate toys. I enjoy our Santa tradition and I know it's a fleeting one. Just curious how others may have explained it.
I haven't been asked this question, but I'm totally taking your answer if I do! What an awesome explanation! Well done for thinking fast & coming up with that one. :)
We tell our 4 year old who asks the same thing when we do our angel tree gifts that Santa brings every good boy and girl 1 or 2 presents but there are some children who don't have as much as we have. We say some don't have moms or dads or families and they deserve to get lots of presents like he does from his whole family so we help them so they have a good day too. We tell him it is important to help everyone around us especially at magical times like Christmas because it is not only Santa who can spread Christmas Magic (Chirstmas Magic is what he calls it when Santa comes down the chimney). I think that commercials on TV and store ads are ruining Christmas for children, I remember my sister believed till she was at least 8 but now our kids find out the truth at 4, it is sad. Good Luck to you and Merry Christmas!
your answer was great! Don't change a thing... but as a side note maybe have santa bring him something he needs (new jeans,PJs,etc) and not just a new toy this year to remind him that Santa doesn't only bring toys. :)
Well, in our family, Santa does some of the presents, but the parents and siblings also buy gifts for everyone. So, you could explain that some families dont have enough money to buy their own gifts. Santa brings 3 presents, so what we are doing when we donate toys is helping parents give to their children, and children give to each other. But that Santa will still be stopping by there too. We just told my 9 year old about the truth behind Santa, so you still have many years to enjoy the magic. Now, it is just a different kind of magic, she gets to help be Santa, and figure out what the younger kids like, so its still fun! ~A.~
