Santa Claus and the tooth fairy have recently died. Who knows who’s next. My son and I are okay with this. He asks honest questions and I give honest answers. He knows this. So, I know he was ready when he asked.

Funny thing about our society. I never told him these things exist. Yes, there were presents under the tree on Christmas morning. Yes, there was a shiny coin under his pillow after a lost tooth. I played along with what he already believed.

He’s getting older and questioning things even more. I think as adults (not just parents,) we tend to hold onto these magical childhood concepts because we don’t want to see the magic go out of their childhoods. Perhaps it’s like killing a part of our own inner child.

I explained to B, since he has announced to a few adults that he’s in the know, that it’s part of the magic and fun to keep it going for generations of kids. There’s nothing malicious about it, although it may seem deceitful.

He’s asked me for all the details about things and I’ve asked him if it will ruin the fun of it or if I should stop playing my part. He still wants to know but is trying his hardest to wiggle a tooth out at this very minute. He’s a practical boy. He still wants the payout, regardless of where it’s coming from.