A Letter for Children Who Were Told Santa is not Real

Hi, it's Michael (Kris). There is a family for whom I have served as Santa for many years. Sarah is 11, her brother David is 9. I learned last week that she and her father had the talk where she had confirmation Santa is not real. With her parents’ permission, I had the opportunity to write a letter to Sarah. This is that letter.

(Please feel free to use/share/adapt as needed)

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Dear Sarah,

My name is Michael Sheinbaum, and I have had the privilege of portraying Santa for you and your brother for the last several years. Your father let me know that he recently had the discussion with you about whether or not Santa is real. I’d like to offer my thoughts on the reality of Santa.

First, a little about myself. I am a 58-year-old man who works both as an IT professional and as a children’s entertainer. I have two daughters, a wife (who you know as Mrs. Claus when we’ve visited), and a dog (who you’ve also met). I also believe, with absolute certainty, that Santa is real.

You see, Sarah, there is the Santa that children know. He has a red suit, a beard, reindeer, and the rest. You and David know that character well. Portraying that Santa is one of my favorite things to do.

However, there is the Santa that many grown-ups know. And in order to understand grown-up Santa, I have to let you in on a secret. Ready?

This is the secret: Giving thoughtful, appreciated presents can feel better than receiving presents.

The Santa that grown-ups know is different than the one children know. The Santa that grown-ups know is a spirit of joy, generosity, and goodwill. You may not see the sleigh or hear the jingle bells. Yet Santa’s presence is unquestionably there with each gift you’ve well considered and given to someone who can appreciate it.

And it doesn’t just happen during the holidays. Try this: think of a drawing one of your parents might like. Draw that picture well and give it to them. Tell them that it’s a gift. Pay attention to how you feel when they receive it and respond. That’s Santa right there. And you can bring the joy of giving at any time.

I hope you will always carry the presence of Santa with you, Sarah. And I hope, when David is ready, that you will share this awareness with him as well. Santa is real at every age, and I hope you will always find that joy.

With joy, generosity, and goodwill,

Michael “Kris” Sheinbaum