Isaac lost a tooth last week and it accidentally went down the drain. He was so heartbroken that Wes decided to take apart the drain pipes to see if the tooth could be found. No tooth! We assured Isaac that the Tooth Fairy would still bring him some money even if he didn't have a tooth under his pillow. At that point the "Tooth Fairy" completely forgot all about it. Yesterday, Isaac sadly showed us the note that he had kept under his pillow for days with no visit from the Tooth Fairy. Ugh.
We have always been anxious to end the "Santa," "Easter Bunny" and "Tooth Fairy" charades with our kids (is it uncomfortable for anyone else to "lie" to their kids?) - and this would have been a great opportunity to lay out the truth for our boy but we just couldn't do it. He was so hopeful and really wanted to believe! I think deep down he probably knows but he doesn't want to admit it. I am almost positive he still believes in Santa. Addie figured it out last year and I will never forget her face on Christmas Eve. As the evening came to a close and the anticipation grew with talk of reindeer hooves, the logistics of coming down the chimney and wanting to leave cookies for Santa, Addie turned to me with a look of pure disappointment. I felt sorry for her and in some ways understood how losing that belief really does take some fun and magic out of Christmas. I remember that when I was a child - even after the truth was told - I didn't want to believe it. I held on to the hope that the myth was real for a long time. I guess in some ways I want my kids to "believe" as long as they possibly can or will. That is why we slipped a dollar bill under Isaac's pillow last night. How could we not???
10 comments:
That is so sad! It's kinda nice when they believe-it's so fun!!
This post really made me think about it- now that Hannah's two she'll understand the concept of Santa so I guess we'll tell her the story- hmmmmm.....but maybe we shouldn't? I like all of the magic associated with Santa etc....even though I'm older and know it's not real, it's still fun!
Don't get me wrong - I don't regret my kids believing in Santa, etc. AT ALL! It does make holidays and events more fun and magical. Besides - society perpetuates it so much - it's hard not to just go along with it. I don't really struggle with Santa as much as I do with the Easter Bunny. We don't make a big deal about that one...
Sadie is 11 and I swear she is still a believer in all things! Now I'm so afraid she'll be crushed when she learns the truth, but we, too, can't bring ourselves to tell her.
As for the Easter bunny, I tell my kids that at our house there is only the Easter mommy. I think there is no room for silly bunnie talk on such a beautiful "holiday."
He even drew a little tooth to show what it looked like. As if the Tooth fairy didn't know already....or did she not know? You did the right thing.
Just so you know I had my wisdom tooth pulled last Christmas. They said it was very unique looking, almost rare. If you would like to send me a $1 that would be great.
Emily, this is so funny. Did you see my post yesterday? I think we are on the exact same wave length. I feel so bad lying to my kids. I know they love Santa and all of it, but it is just so hard, and the disappointment they face is so sad.
And that note from Isaac....that kid is so great.
This post makes me sad and makes me smile, at the same time. I will be sad but also relieved when our kids--one by one--discover the "truth." Does that mean I shouldn't have told them in the first place? I don't know. Anyway, I think this is Emma's year. I think she will give me a "look" similar to Addie's--or maybe she will get into the idea of making it special for the younger siblings.
That is SO sweet! I hope Maggie believes for a long time although, you're right, I think I'll start feeling weird about the lies.
That is too funny...because I can totally see myself doing that. This morning Max had a wiggly tooth and I told him about Isaac losing his down the drain and having to write a note (but left out the forgetful fairy part).
I agree with you...I like the "magic" of the myths, but I do hate the outright lying.
I know. It is a fine line. Believing and "lying." I could never come to terms with it myself. My mom told me, "Santa is real in your heart. He is the spirit of giving."
We had neighbors that told their kids the truth from the start. Some people were mad at them because they wanted their kids to believe, and they thought the kids who knew the truth would spoil it.
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