My parents told me from the get-go that they worked their butts off to be able to provide those presents under the tree, the Easter baskets, the money under my pillow when I lost a tooth -- as well as the roof over our heads, the food on the table, etc. My parents were very poor when they were growing up, and didn't want me to feel the same sense of betrayal and disappointment that they had felt when they realized that their parents had lied to them. I guess from a little kid's point of view, it must suck when you don't get any cool presents, and you think it's because you were naughty instead of nice.
But it was A-OK to indulge in a bit of fantasy and believe in Santa in a Mr. Rogers "Land of Make Believe" kind of way. So we always did everything that everyone else did for the holidays, including the annual pictures with Santa, hanging up stockings, and the whole nine yards. I just knew who was really footing the bill, and to be more realistic about my wish lists.
But it was A-OK to indulge in a bit of fantasy and believe in Santa in a Mr. Rogers "Land of Make Believe" kind of way. So we always did everything that everyone else did for the holidays, including the annual pictures with Santa, hanging up stockings, and the whole nine yards. I just knew who was really footing the bill, and to be more realistic about my wish lists.