For younger children, Father Christmas is simply part of Christmas. If they believe that Father Christmas really does exist, it is also great fun for their parents to see their eyes light up as they look forward to the arrival of Father Christmas with his sleigh and reindeer.

 

Father Christmas is part of an enchanted world and brings love and kindness to children. You should let the children find out all by themselves over the years that he doesn't exist. If this happens too early, their world will collapse.

So make sure that your older children don't give the younger ones second thoughts before the time is up. Talk to the older children and ask them not to spoil the fun for the little ones, but to join in the fun themselves.

Christmas is a time of giving, and after all, St Nicholas really did once exist and gave presents to poorer people.

Never talk about the fact that there is no Father Christmas within earshot of your children. Children learn from their parents, so if you suddenly find out that they don't believe in Father Christmas, they will feel cheated.

Let the children put out a plate of biscuits and some carrots for Father Christmas and his reindeer the evening before the presents are given, which gives them a nice task. It is best if you have baked the biscuits especially for Father Christmas together with the children beforehand.

Every year, put at least one present from Father Christmas under the Christmas tree, which should be wrapped in different wrapping paper to your presents.

If your children's enthusiasm for Father Christmas wanes over the years, don't force them to play the game. It should be fun for them. At some point, they will be older and find it silly if their parents are still trying desperately to make them believe in Father Christmas.