Harsh reality 1 : Xmas spirit 0

[rheiner]

Priceless:

The moment when a child realises Father Christmas does not exist can be a difficult one, especially if it happens a few days before the bearded one is due down the chimney.

But a junior school was forced to apologise yesterday after one of its teachers did the delicate job usually left to parents or older siblings when she taught a lesson revealing that Santa was a myth and letters addressed to him were actually dealt with by the Royal Mail.

To make matters worse, the youngsters, aged nine and 10, were asked to put themselves in the place of Royal Mail staff and make up replies to children explaining why their requests for certain presents had been rejected.

Full story at http://www.guardian.co.uk/christmas2006/story/0,,1975747,00.html

[Christian Taylor]

that is priceless. would love to have seen all the shattered looks on their faces.

i remember years ago one child pointed up into the sky during outdoor christmas eve mass and said, "i just saw santa's sleigh fly by." while some of the parents laughed knowingly to each other, this other bossy little bitch in glasses and pigtails just blurted out, "that's a lie. santa's not even real. my mother told me."

but he stood his ground, hands on hips. the arguing got louder, people didn't know where to look and finally the little boy's mother stepped in and said, "for godsake norman, stop causing a scene. you didn't see the sleigh. there is no sleigh. don't be so ridiculous."

it was one of the cruellest childhood moments i have ever witnessed.

how did you find out santa wasn't real? i always suspected (mum and santa had the same handwriting) but i remember finding out when me and my sister ransacked mother's wardrobe looking for cash. it was full of christmas presents. all labeled. all from santa. and it was JULY.

mother was very organised back then.

[Tim D]

When I was in Year 3, I was the one who broke the news to one girl that Santa Claus wasn't real (lots of older brothers you see)

It still stands out as one of my most vivid childhood memories and whenever I see the girl now I feel the need to apologise...

[Zakalwe]

I think the kids at school broke the horrible news to me. Not that I was a fervent believer to begin with. My little sister on the other hand worked it out for herself when she was 6 or 7, and told me off for trying to keep up the pretense! ;-)

[genkij]

What do you mean .....

Santa isn't ......

OMG!!!!

I'm Calling Mum !!
MMMaaaAAAAaaaaMMM !!!!!!

[honey-prawns]

When I was in Year 3, I was the one who broke the news to one girl that Santa Claus wasn't real (lots of older brothers you see)

It still stands out as one of my most vivid childhood memories and whenever I see the girl now I feel the need to apologise...

i say you did the girl a favour. and hey, if your older brothers spoiled it for you, then why shouldn't you 'share the love'?
:D