When J was about 6, he was really into reading the "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" series by Judy Blume. I remember picking one up that he had been reading and getting sucked into it. It's funny! However, there was one chapter in which Fudge finds out there is no S-A-N-T-A. I asked J if he had read that particular chapter yet. "Yes," he very sheepishly replied. And that is how he found out there was no you-know-who. Five years later, M is reading said book to H, but was able to stop himself and change the story a bit. Here you might be wondering, "Why the hell do six year-olds still believe in Santa?" I'll tell you why. We do everything in our power to keep the story alive because it affords us an entire month of threats and briberies come Christmas time, when our children are apt to act their worst.

So, I'm a little annoyed that Judy Blume almost cost us this valuable parenting tool yet again, when I'm pretty sure we could've eked out at least one more year with H, who, let's be honest, could use a little more help than anybody when it comes to good behavior. I googled her website, and sent her an email, complaining about this one little thing, but then I began to remember reading "Are You There God, it's Me Margaret" among many other awesome books she has written, so I kind of rambled a bit in my email to her, gushing and admonishing her at the same time. Within hours, she personally emailed me back, and this is what she said:

Hi Kate,

Thank you for your email. I'm sorry your sons had to hear about Santa from Fudge. (Aren't you lucky to have such terrific little readers in your house. Only six and already reading chapter books!) Santa Who? can spark the inevitable discussion in a natural and loving way, and of course no-one is saying that Santa isn't a magical, wonderful idea that can and will continue to live in your family.

Very best, Judy Blume

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Whatever.