The Santa Question

With my Nephew due to become a brother in 2009, I did the old routine of making him feel like being an older sibling has its importance by saying 'I know what it's like being an older brother so, if you have any questions, ask me.'

He then asked me a question which did not involve being an older brother.

'My friends in school told me there's no such thing as Father Christmas, is that true?'

I didn't know what to say for a moment. I then threw back at him, 'what do you think?' He responded with a 'yes, there is,' and I countered with - 'there's your answer.'

I can't recall the year I finally realised there was no Santa Claus. It must have been around the same age Josh is now. I do remember that I kept the knowledge away from my parents for as long as I could. One Saturday morning, I was in their bedroom watching TV and my Father asked me if I still believed and I lied.

Was it an actual lie, though?

I think what it was was me trying to hold on for one more year.

It seems that twenty or so years later, I'm still holding on.