‘Twas the Night I was Grilled About Santa and the Tooth Fairy

Last night was one of those interesting discussions with Ty.  It’s still one of my favourite parts of the day, when we lie in his bed and he tells me all the things he’s been saving up for that moment.  Sometimes, it’s about girls (this is a more frequent theme these days), sometimes it’s to rat out his little brother, sometimes he’s feeling guilty about something and sometimes it’s a chance to get some advice from his mom.

Last night we attended a lovely candle and tree lighting ceremony for Zack, so I was definitely feeling very emotional.  Ty and I talked about the night, how we felt, what we missed about his littlest brother and then the discussion turned to Santa.

“So, is Santa real or not, Mom“.  Gulp.  He had kinda, sorta asked before, but not in a face to face situation.  I have always turned it around to him and asked “What do you think, Ty” (see, I’ve learned from many of you on this).  I tried my usual reverse techniques and he was still relentless- “Is it really the parents?“, “Are you and Dad, Santa?“, “Tell me the truth“.  My heart was racing as I tried to come up with the best way to answer.  Had it been AFTER Christmas, I think I might have told my 10 year old boy.  But to ruin his Christmas, with only 3 weeks to go…I couldn’t do it.  

I told him that I believe in the magic of Santa and that while parents DO communicate with Santa to approve the toys on the list, his magic is real.  Sounds convincing right?  The amazing thing about Ty is his deep belief in magic and wonder.  He lives for it.  He convinces kids at school that they are all nuts not to believe!  He is so consumed with the power of every holiday and birthday, that I just couldn’t hurt him with the truth- not now.  And I know that the truth would have been devastating to him.

He finally stopped grilling me and decided that just to be sure it wasn’t me, he wouldn’t tell me the gift he wanted from Santa next year….whew…just bought myself a year on this one!

Just as I started to relax and make a fast getaway to share this story with Paul…he cornered me again.  Right in my eyes…”So, what about the Tooth Fairy?  Is THAT you?  I know your handwriting is on those notes”  He had me again and I thought that telling him two lies in one night, might not be a wise decision.  I took a deep breath and told him the truth.  “No, the Tooth Fairy is NOT real. It’s me.  I have saved all of your teeth and I have written you a note each time you put those teeth under your pillow.  I love being the Tooth Fairy, but now you are old enough to know.”

With a huge grin and an “I knew it” look on his face, we ended our nightly ritual with one last sentence…. “if you tell your little brother, you are in big trouble.  He’s 6 and you have to fake this with me for 4 more years…got it?”