Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus -- or is there? It's the question that no parents want to address, especially when it's coming from an inquisitive little one. Like the birds and the bees conversation, this is likely one of those conversations you want to be prepared for well in advance. The first question you'll likely want to ask yourself is if you're ready to give up the dream. As a parent, you'll know when it's the right time for the big reveal. {relatedarticles}It's important that you don't let other parents sway you one way or the other. Prior to deciding how you're going to handle the situation, you should always make it a joint decision with your partner. You should be in agreement beforehand as to how you're going address the situation. If you want to continue to play Santa with any younger siblings, this is a conversation you'll want to have far away from those little ears. If you have let the cat out of the bag with older children, be firm and clear that they are not to ruin it for the younger children -- related or unrelated.

So once you've decided to cop to the truth, the next step is deciding exactly what you're going to say. Find a quiet time where it's just you and your child. Have your child tell you what the Christmas holiday means to him. Once he's finished, explain to your child the history of St. Nicholas, the real figure from 200 AD. {relatedarticles}Turn it into a game by using the lines from Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Explain that "he sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows if you've been bad or good..." Then ask your child who would know all of those things. Of course, he'll eventually realize it's his loving parents. If your child feels sad, promise that you'll continue on the holiday family traditions you've always had, only know he's becoming more grown-up and is privy to one of the world's best-kept secrets.