I DO Believe, I DO Believe

When do kids stop believing in the Easter Bunny? And for that matter, Santa Clause? My boys are 8 years old and honestly believe that a magic bunny travels the world delivering plastic, multi-colored eggs with candy inside of them. Now, I somewhat understand the Santa Clause thing, but the Easter Bunny? Surely they can think through this using some form of reality, can't they?

Okay, let me explain. I was raised in a Jewish household, so Easter was no big deal for us. Actually, I take that back. Every year, on the Monday AFTER Easter, my dad would go to the drug store and buy us Easter baskets. Because, of course, they were half off! So yes, I suppose we did like Easter, but we never learned about any magic bunny.

Just like Santa Clause. I never grew up thinking some round, jolly man made it all the way around the world in just one night to deliver presents to all the boys and girls. I just knew that on Chanukah, I got presents for 8 nights in a row, and that was magic enough for me!

I must admit, though, that I LOVE perpetuating the Santa Clause myth for my kids. I have so much fun doing it, and I know that one day they will tell me that Santa doesn't exist. I DREAD that day!

But what is it like for the kids? Is it some horrible realization that their parents have been lying to them all their lives? That there really is no magic in the world? No Santa Clause? No Easter Bunny? Or by the time they learn of the truth, is it no big deal to them? Surely, somebody at school will tell them this terrible truth soon. After all, they will be in 3rd grade next year. And many of their friends have older siblings.

And speaking of older siblings, how is that my kids have none, yet know ALL of the cuss words already? How can 8 year old boys know this? I didn't learn any bad words until about 5th grade. I can't stand it that their precious little ears and mouths can hear, and worse, say, these words.

But I digress...

As long as my kids believe, I will go right along believing with them. And I will try to cushion the blow when they learn the truth. And I will tell them that there is still magic in the world, you just have to look for it a little harder. I see it every time I look into their eyes!

Karen