Last Friday, I told Nathan that there was no Santa Claus. Now, of course I told him in a way that was loving, and I tried to respect his emotions. We read through the story of St. Nicholas. I explained how legends are created as stories are passed down from generation to generation. He seemed to understand what I was saying, but when I told him that Santa was a created character based on St. Nick, he just closed down. He said that he believes that Santa is real. I was ready to drop it right then, but I could tell that he was frustrated and confused. I couldn't leave him in that state of mind. I explained that the gifts given in the name of Santa were really from mom and dad. We were giving anonymously just as Saint Nicholas did in the 3rd century. This is when Nathan became excited. He said, "So you and dad bought me my gameboy last year? And the basketball hoop in my room?" He kept going on and on about all of the many gifts we've given over the years. He said, "Wow, those things are EXPENSIVE! Thanks!" He realized that the parents who love him are just as great as Santa. I then added that this year he gets to be Santa Claus to some needy children too. We're going to buying books for a local homeless shelter, and Nathan is going to buy a present to take to the local firehouse that collects gifts for needy children. He knows that this will be giving anonymously like Saint Nicholas did. He's excited to help other kids, but I think he's a bit more excited about going to the firehouse.