What to Say When Your Child Asks “Is Santa Real?” (Parent Scripts)

Introduction

Your child looks up at you and asks the question every parent eventually hears: “Is Santa real?” Whether they're five or twelve, the moment can feel like a crossroads. You want to protect the magic of Christmas, but you also want to respect your child’s growing curiosity.

The good news? You can do both. With a thoughtful response—tailored to your child’s age—you can keep the wonder alive while supporting emotional development. And with tools like Santa Magic, you can reinforce belief when your child needs a little extra reassurance.

Why Kids Ask the “Is Santa Real?” Question

Children usually ask because they’re starting to compare stories, hear peers talk, or notice inconsistencies. According to child psychologist Dr. Emma Leigh, “Questions about Santa are a sign that kids are developing critical thinking—not losing their sense of wonder.”

The goal isn’t to shut down the question, but to guide them with warmth and age-appropriate honesty.

What to Say to a 5–6 Year Old

At this age, kids are deeply imaginative. They may ask out of curiosity, not skepticism. A gentle reassurance works beautifully.

Sample Scripts

• “Santa is absolutely real. He’s the magic of Christmas, and he loves surprising kids who believe.”
• “Santa is real in the same way love and kindness are real—you can feel it even when you don’t see it.”
• “What made you wonder? Tell me what you heard.”

Psychologist Dr. Leigh notes, “You’re not misleading them—you’re nurturing their creativity and sense of wonder, which are developmentally essential.”

This age is also perfect for magical reinforcement, such as a Santa Magic FaceTime-style call or a personalized Santa video where Santa says their name and mentions their wishlist.

What to Say to a 7–8 Year Old

This is the age where outside influences start to plant doubt. Kids may be collecting “evidence,” but still desperately want you to confirm the magic.

Sample Scripts

• “Some people don’t believe, but I do—and Santa always visits believers.”
• “Santa is real to everyone who chooses the magic of Christmas. What do you think?”
• “It’s okay to ask! Wondering about Santa means you’re growing, and that’s a good thing.”

Encourage them to explore their thoughts without shutting the door on belief.

This is also a great time to show “proof,” like a Nice List video or a Santa Arrival Video using Santa Magic, which shows Santa delivering presents right in your living room.

What to Say to a 9–10 Year Old

Kids this age straddle the line between childhood wonder and logical thinking. When they ask, they often want reassurance but are ready for a deeper explanation.

Sample Scripts

• “Santa is real because he represents joy, love, and generosity—things that never go away.”
• “Families all over the world help Santa spread magic. That makes you part of something wonderful.”
• “Growing up means asking big questions. I love that you’re thinking about this.”

Dr. Leigh explains, “By age ten, many children prefer a blended truth—Santa as both magical and symbolic. It allows them to retain wonder while embracing maturity.”

What to Say to an 11–12 Year Old

Older kids often know the truth but want confirmation in a loving way. This is your chance to reframe Santa without removing the magic.

Sample Scripts

• “Santa is real in a different way. He’s the spirit of giving, and now you’re old enough to become part of that magic.”
• “Parents help Santa because kids deserve wonder. Now you get to help keep the magic alive for younger kids.”
• “Believing isn’t about how old you are—it’s about choosing joy.”

This conversation often becomes a special rite of passage and can strengthen trust between you and your child.

How to Know Your Child Is Ready for a More Honest Conversation

Look for signs such as:

• Repeated questions without emotional distress
• Comparing “evidence” or pointing out inconsistencies
• Curiosity without fear of losing magic
• Indirect questions such as “Who fills the stockings?”

If your child seems anxious or sad at the idea of Santa not being real, stick with gentle reassurance and keep the magic going a bit longer.

Ways to Keep the Magic Alive—No Matter Their Age

Whether your child believes fully or is transitioning to a new understanding, there are plenty of ways to keep Christmas magical:

• Do a Santa Magic video call where Santa mentions their name, wishlist, and good deeds.
• Send a letter to Santa through the Santa Magic app and get a video reply from Santa or an elf.
• Create a Nice List video praising your child’s kindness.
• Show a Santa Arrival Video featuring your own living room.

Even older kids love seeing the personalized touch—it reassures younger siblings and helps older children feel involved in creating magic for the family.

Final Thoughts

When kids ask, “Is Santa real?”, they’re not just looking for facts—they’re looking for connection, reassurance, and a little bit of wonder. With loving, age-appropriate responses, you can guide them through this moment while keeping Christmas special.

If you want extra help preserving the magic, explore the Santa Magic app for personalized Santa calls, videos, letters, and more. It’s never too late—or too early—to keep the spirit of Santa alive.