Derek and I wondered if this past Christmas would be the last time Kaleb believed in Santa. I just didn't know his belief would disappear 8 days into the new year.
Yesterday he woke up early for school because his tooth was really loose. Being a nice and thoughtful son, he insisted on pulling it himself. :) A few minutes later--success! Putting his tooth beneath his pillow last night, he asked me what the tooth fairy does with all the teeth. I reminded him of the books we've read on that very subject and told him to pick whichever explanation he liked best and assume that's what happens. By the way, we're quite a bit more specific with our theological explanations, but I digress...
This morning he woke up and found his tooth fairy gift: two quarters taped to a package of gum. He said, "These quarters look just like the ones on the computer desk. They're the same years and this one has an apple on the back of it." It's actually a peach, but...I was busted.
He asked me, "Are you the tooth fairy?" Since Aaron was not in the room, I confessed. He thought about it for a few seconds and then he said, "Are you Santa Claus too?" I really didn't want to take away his belief in Santa. The tooth fairy is one thing, but Santa? Out of all our kids, Kaleb has loved the idea of Santa the most. But I knew I couldn't keep the charade up anymore. He's getting too hard to trick. So I came clean with that too. I explained how Braylen helped me keep the secret and now he needs to help keep the secret for Aaron. He asked how long Braylen has known the truth about Santa, and I really don't remember. I told him he was probably 9, just like Kaleb is now. Feeling a bit like I spoiled his childhood, I said I was sorry that Santa isn't real. In truth, I really do wish he was real. I'd love for him to pay for all the presents! Kaleb's response to my little apology was, "That's okay Mom. It was fading for me anyway." Well! Okay then! I guess his childhood isn't ruined after all. :)
This must have been the morning for these types of questions because later Aaron asked me if the Polar Express is real. I told him it's a book and a movie, but no, the Polar Express isn't real. His eyes got real big and he said, "But Alex told me he rode the Polar Express with his family!" Then I remembered our town had a Polar Express event with trolley rides and hot chocolate and such, complete with a visit from Santa. We chatted about that and he let me know he wants to do that with his friends next Christmas. I think the confusion is straightened out for now.
Watch out Easter Bunny--you're next. :)
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