When to Introduce Santa?

[SassyMummy]

DD will be 17 months on Christmas Day this year... last year she was 5 months. Last year she had her photo taken with Santa, and no doubt she probably will this year as well...

But apart from that, she hasn't really been introduced to the whole idea of Santa. I think she may be too young to understand now, but worry that she MAY not be and when next year comes, she'll be a little shocked that Santa all of a sudden exists.

Is there a "right time" to introduce Santa to little ones? Also, how do you introduce him?

I LOVED the magic of Christmas, and long for the days of how it used to be (regarding Christmas...now it's mainly about biting your lip and putting up with family, getting a few presents and eating). I want DD to experience something similar, and I want to start as soon as she's older enough to slightly understand.

[FourAngelKisses]

We never really did anything other than the photo each year and tell them that Santa comes at Christmas. They are smarter than we think and seem to have it all worked out by 3-3.5.

[TwoBlue]

DS#1 is almost 3 this Christmas and he is still not quite clear on the Santa thing.. he see's Santa and says "Tanta" but isnt 100% on the whole Santa comes and brings pressies thing...

I think it comes once kinder age starts, around 4 years old (just from watching my nephews)

I also think the best way to "introduce" Santa is books... we have just started reading Christmas books to DS#1, both "Santa" stories and Jesus birth stories.

[~mia&ryan~]

I tell DD about santa constantly now and I will continue to do so. I kinda think its never to young to start. Mind you I still love the idea of santa and the magic of christmas. Oh and I have started reading her christmas stories too.
BTW christmas is my favourite time of year.:yes: :xmas: :tree: :reindeer:

[FourAngelKisses]

Do you have last years Santa pic on the wall for her to see?? Maybe tell her all about it and say that he brings presents for all the kids and he will bring her some too.

[Rell]

The sooner the better I say
DD was 19mths when she first started to get in to santa, by her 3rd christmas (2 1/2)she was fully into it, drawing pictures asking santa for pressents etc... Last year(3 1/2) she was writing letters and quizzing me on all the ins and outs of how he travels around the world in one night.:laughing:
DS (just turned 2) has only just started to get into Santa now. Everytime he sees a picture or anything with Santa on it he yells "SANTA" and gets very excited.

I love christmas and the idea of Santa. Watching the kids faces when they see that :reindeer: had eaten the carrots and :xmas: the chocolate (santa is a chocoholic ;) ) and all the presents makes it all worth while.