I never beleived in santa, and our daughter grew up the same. It really does not remove the joy at all! My daughter was still interested in meeting the men who dress up as santa when she saw them at a store or whatever during the holiday season. If you teach, early, that there were real people who the story is based on, and that the idea is the important thing (giving), they will still find the idea of Santa quite magical enough. Our kid even sat with Santa at about age 3 and "taught" him how to correctly sing Jingle Bells.
We also didn't teach the tooth fairy was real, but still left her a quarter under her pillow for the experience of losing the tooth. She knew it was us, and still loved getting the treat.
For instance, I know Thor is a myth, but I would still want to have my picture taken with the guy at comic con dressed up like him. I can't promise, but chances are your child will feel the same.
We also didn't teach the tooth fairy was real, but still left her a quarter under her pillow for the experience of losing the tooth. She knew it was us, and still loved getting the treat.
For instance, I know Thor is a myth, but I would still want to have my picture taken with the guy at comic con dressed up like him. I can't promise, but chances are your child will feel the same.
“Eternity is a terrible thought. I mean, where's it going to end?”
― Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
― Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead