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"What is the 'Easter Bunny' bringing?" Megan questioned sarcastically, putting air quotes around "Easter Bunny."
"You are the Easter Bunny, Mom," she challenged. And, just like that, I knew the magic-making was over. The end of an era of slipping money under pillows as the Tooth Fairy, writing notes from the North Pole from our elves, Smiling Max and Olivia Jingles, hiding eggs around the house as the Easter Bunny. Putting cookies out for Santa Claus and spreading reindeer food on the lawn Later that night, Megan admitted she didn't believe in any magical things anymore and declared it was mean to lie to kids about magic being real. My son, Alex, who is 11 and 1/2, admitted he discovered the truth about magic when his teachers last year told the class that leprechauns weren't real. Alex never confessed he knew or questioned me about why I pretended all those magical creatures were real. He didn't have the sense of betrayal that Megan expressed. I tried to say that parents carry on the magic for their kids but I'm not sure my message went over well. I know they have to grow up and I know having older kids still believe in all the magical things isn't ideal, but it still really stung to have Megan declare that she knows none of it is real. For so many years, I made the magic real for them. Another chapter ends.
6 Comments
4/19/2022 08:18:09 am
What a beautiful topic about life and maturing! I remember my dad being totally against teaching us about Santa Clause because he was devastated when he found out the jolly, benevolent man didn't exist. But you're right. It's all about creating that magic, and the memories of family is part of that.
Vivian Chen
4/19/2022 03:49:58 pm
Even as full grown, in our 20s and 30s adults, my ex-mother-in-law would create the magic of the Easter bunny for us. She'd make flour footprints and hide baskets filled with goodies. There's just something about trying to keep magic alive for kids isn't there. And then there's this--I found out from my 25 year old stepson this weekend that he told his 8 year old cousin that Santa isn't real. He got into some trouble from his uncle! 4/19/2022 05:39:05 pm
She'll come to appreciate it in time! My sisters and I - one in particular - were expert snoopers. We had a hunch on who was really Santa, but weren't positive. That hunch was confirmed when we found 'Santa's' stash. Instead of feeling proud or excited, I was sad and wished I had never looked in the first place. Hopefully Megan grows to realize that believing is half the fun! 4/19/2022 08:02:05 pm
Kathleen, you are grappling with the reality issue just like my daughter is now. She asked me, "When do you think children start not believing in the Easter Bunny?" How old is your daughter now, Kathleen? I will have my daughter read your slice.
Erika Victor
4/20/2022 04:29:19 am
I do not remember a definite time my kids stopped believing, as like your Alex, they just kept quiet. It is the end of an era and a little bittersweet. You can still give the gifts, but... Leave a Reply. |
AuthorKathleen Neagle Sokolowski Archives
April 2022
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