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This can be a little difficult and you might need to channel your inner politician here. You want to keep the conversation about Santa as positive as possible, so it’s best to avoid getting into discussions about anything negative such as any questions about lying or deception. Also don’t assume a negative reaction from your child and avoid statements such as “I know this is going to be difficult to hear” or “I hope you don’t get too upset to hear this” as this phrasing can encourage a bad response. Instead approach this as good news and a positive transition. Now that your child is old enough and mature enough, they finally get to join the rest of us in being Santa Agents. Hooray! Welcome to the team! As we clearly demonstrate in the book, this is the start of something new and special and should be celebrated as such.

Embrace what comes next

Reading the book and having this conversation are just the beginning, and it’s crucial that your child understand that now it’s time for the fun to truly start. Use the “Santa Agent Mission List” towards the end of the book as inspiration to help your child to come up with their own little list of festive tasks they would like to do. Then help them to keep track of their list and tick the items off one by one. You can maybe set aside a “Santa Agent Hour” each week when you and your child can work together on festive tasks. And don’t forget to include your new little agent in any festive activities taking place in your household in the lead up to Christmas such as making and hanging decorations, wrapping gifts and writing cards. By making magic together you’ll ensure that Christmases going forward are better than ever before.

By Alex Lalak, co-author of Your Santa Agent Invitation, available from Amazon and Booktopia.