Nursery World - Fun, but just a story like any other

Well said, Jennie Lindon! (Ask the expert, 28 November). When our children (now aged 22 and 19) were very young, my husband and I decided that they should know from the start that Father Christmas is just pretend and only a story. This knowledge never spoiled their enjoyment; they had just as much fun at Christmas as their 'believing' friends did and, perhaps more importantly, they never had to feel the letdown and loss of magic that other children experience when they finally realise they've been deceived.

When our children (now aged 22 and 19) were very young, my husband and I decided that they should know from the start that Father Christmas is just pretend and only a story. This knowledge never spoiled their enjoyment; they had just as much fun at Christmas as their 'believing' friends did and, perhaps more importantly, they never had to feel the letdown and loss of magic that other children experience when they finally realise they've been deceived.

Both used to love being taken to meet Father Christmas, and leaving out sherry, mince pies and a carrot on Christmas Eve; they were fully aware that it was all pretend, but loved playing the game. They always knew that Christmas presents came from family and friends, and I think this made them more appreciative of what they received.

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