Reese Witherspoon Won't Spoil the Fun of Christmas

Charley Gallay/Getty

Not only do Reese Witherspoon‘s two children Ava Elizabeth, 9, and Deacon Reese, 5, still believe in Santa Claus, they "believe in all sorts of things" — for all sorts of other holidays! In an interview with Movies Online, the 32-year-old actress says that the kids have gradually turned almost every special occasion into an occasion for gift-giving — and receiving! "We have all sorts of fairies for different holidays…like we have a Halloween fairy and then there’s the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny," she explains. "I’m like, ‘How did this happen that I have to get more things?’"

Reese adds that when it comes to Christmas, she has no intention of spoiling the fun with the truth about Santa Claus. "Kids find out that kind of stuff on their own," she says.

Ava and Deacon are Reese’s children with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe.

Source: Movies Online 

Comments

I think it’s great when children can hold on to their beliefs for as long as possible. It’s so hard though when you have older siblings. I remember learning that Santa wasn’t real when I was six because I heard my mom and dad putting presents under the tree. I was so afraid if they found out I wouldn’t get presents so I kept my mouth shut for a few more years. I figured the tooth fairy wasn’t real either esp. since she seemed to forget to stop by LOL!!!

- JM on November 24th, 2008

That’s great she’s not going to spoil the fun until they realise it on their own. I remember being so disappointed when I found out that there wasn’t a Santa Claus! The world is so much more magical when seen through the eyes of a child. I can’t imagine how it is going to be when my 3 year old cousin finds out there is no Santa Claus…all the fun of Christmas is much more exciting thanks to him!

- Devon on November 24th, 2008

For some reason my parents were always against those kinda lies to kids, even for their pleasure. So from the very beginning I knew none of these were true. I still can’t decide which one is better, to make them believe or tell the truth.

- Artemis on November 24th, 2008

I agree let them believe as long as possible. However, I do remember being in school around the age of 8 and our teacher announced: this year we will be doing presents for each other as wel all know by now Sinterklaas doesn’t excist. Several children were shocked, they had no idea!

- Sarita on November 24th, 2008

Awww I figured out Santa wasn’t real because my Dad’s writing was the same as his haha, but I can’t imagine growing up knowing that he was fake. Santa was my LIFE for many years

- Natasha on November 24th, 2008

I think that’s sweet of Reese. On the other hand, my parents were honest with me about Santa from a very young age because I had too many questions and at three-years-old angrily told them, “deer CANNOT fly.” I was always careful not to spoil anything for my friends and I gained such appreciation for my parents, knowing THEY worked really hard to get me what I wanted even when times were very tough–more appreciation than I would’ve had for some guy in a red suit who wanted me to sit on his lap and tell him if I’d been naughty or nice to get gifts–no thanks! I learned early-on to appreciate every nice gesture and to give in return…the true spirit of the season. So many kids are disappointed when they find out about Santa and I’m thankful I didn’t experience that.

- irene on November 24th, 2008

I’ve never made my kids believe anything they didn’t want to… but I won’t take away childhood beliefs, either.

They came to their beliefs of Santa because they have seen him at the mall, they saw the shows at the holidays, and there were presents that they decided had to be from him.

If they asked me about him, I would tell them the truth, but not say he doesn’t exist… I would star with the famous letter “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus”, and then going to explain that Santa is real, he just lives on in our hearts and the tradition of giving, instead of living as a man.

It’s like the tooth fairy, easter bunny, any of those things.

They live because we bring them to life through our thinking of others as they would and giving selflessly for no other reason than that children are innocents and deserve special times of extra joy.

- Kat on November 24th, 2008

I think thats sweet. It does get harder when there are older children. I remember being 5 yrs old and my brother who was 10 took me to the top of the stairs to watch my mom put the presents under the tree. I was crushed, but I never let on that i knew. It wasnt until like 4 yrs ago my mom found out how I knew.

- Tone on November 24th, 2008

I think the whole concept of Santa Claus is so silly. I see no reason why I would tell my children that some entity called “Santa Claus” is giving them gifts instead of letting them know that any gifts that they have received have come from their family and friends.
If children do not grow up believing there is a Santa Claus they won’t be disappointed when they found out no such person exists.

- Di on November 24th, 2008

I guess it’s a cultural thing. I live in Canada and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t raise their kids to believe in Santa. Every kid I talk to (and that’s a lot, I work in a daycare) knows who Santa is, and loves him.

- Natasha on November 25th, 2008

All kids care about are presents. It’s just silly to let them believe the santa stuff. Why make up something that doesn’t exist. How about a trade off in terms of you name one big thing you want which you get at christmas and in turn as a parent you ask that they be consistent with a particular chore, good grades, etc. There they get what they want but in so doing you are teaching them responsibility and accountability skills they need as opposed to the santa fluff

- Pearl on November 25th, 2008

Pearl, and Di, I used to believe in Santa, and it never hurt me. Why is it a problem if others choose to raise their kids believing there is a santa claus. It’s a fun, childhood tradition.
I think Reese is awesome for letting her kids believe in it and not ruining it for them.

- Jane on November 25th, 2008

I think it’s sweet that at age nine her daughter is innocent enough to believe in Santa Claus and fairies.A prolonged childhood is a priviledge that most can only aspire to,so it’s good that their children are taking advantage of it and thinking/imagining like children.

- eva on November 25th, 2008

I heard that she appeared on a dating community ☆☆☆INTERRACIALLOVING.COM☆☆☆ with a personal account there. Maybe you have the chance to talk to her online or meet some singles there. It is amazing.

- Kevincy on November 25th, 2008

What?? Father Christmas isn’t real?! There goes my holiday season….

- phoebe on November 25th, 2008

I think it is lovely that children hold on to the magical world for as long as they can. They grow up so fast, and it is nice to have a little bit of fantasy, especially if it means more gifts and fun times with their family! Kudos to Reese for letting her kids just enjoy their imaginations.

- DLR on November 25th, 2008

I grew up believeing in Santa and when I found out that he wasn’t real Christmas just wasn’t the same.

When I have kids Christmas will only be about Christ and not some silly fat man that brings them gifts.

- T on November 25th, 2008

I think it’s cute that they believe in other things too, for other holidays. My father created the Valentine Man. Every Valentine’s Day we’d get cards from our parents, but also the Valentine Man and a little silly gift. We believed for years, even though none of our friends had the Valentine Man visit. Even after we realized it was just Dad, it was still such a great memory. Dad was sick when we were growing up and I don’t have many great memories of him, but I’ll always treasure those Valentine’s Days. And no, I don’t think it would have been as special if he had let us know those gifts had come from him. The Valentine Man was special because my dad put the effort into creating him and maintaining him.

- MB on November 25th, 2008

I believed in Santa Clause and I will raise my daughter to believe in him, too. Christmas was so magical and exciting, I want my daughter to experience the same things that I did. There’s nothing wrong with letting your child believe in Santa – they have the rest of their lives to be grown up and see the world for how it really is – why not give them something special to believe in while they’re young? They’re only children once, so why force the “adult world” onto them so soon? Parents these days are so wrapped up in their own thinking that they forget that children just need to be children.

- Me on November 25th, 2008

I have no problem with parents letting their kids believe in Santa. We choose not to pretend there is a Santa because we believe Christmas is about so much more. Also I will say that when we told our daughter their was no Santa, the first question she had was why do other parents lie to their kids. I didn’t have a good answer for her. I myself didn’t care if their was a Santa or not, but I know others who were so hurt to find out. I didn’t want to take a chance with my kids especially since Santa isn’t even what the holiday is about.

- KimR on November 25th, 2008

It’s not lying – it’s believing. And it’s not disappointment, its discovery. Both are equally magical and as a parent and a teacher, I know that the magic of both is undeniable.

- brannon on November 25th, 2008

Well in our home WE believe in Santa Claus…we leave him cookies and milk. We also believe in tooth fairies, the easter bunny and tinkerbell lol… and I love to see my daughters face lights up when we talk about them. And like Brannon said it is not lying is believing, it does not hurt anyone…I dont know anyone that is scarred for life for believing in Santa…Geesh!

- Bren on November 25th, 2008

all those stories about being crashed that there’s no Santa are so sweet lol I can’t remember ever believing in something like that as my parents are religious and there were other things to talk about/believe in/celebrate. (and I guess it’s a cultural thing as well)

but I agree, older siblings spoil any secret!

- kaya on November 25th, 2008

I’m a little embarrassed to say this, but I believed in Santa Claus until I was 10. My 5th grade teacher spoiled it for me saying there was no Santa Claus. I was crushed!

- brandi c. on November 25th, 2008

I am almost 25 but the baby of the family and me and my brother still get presents from Santa. Because of my older brother I found out at a younger age then most that Santa wasn’t real but it still didn’t ruin the fun of Christmas. Even though I knew Santa was really Mom and Dad I still put out cookies for Santa and carrots for the raindeer. Christmas to me is about family and traditions, and Santa is one of those traditions!

- Karen on November 25th, 2008

I totally agree with Brannon. It’s not *Lieing* to your children, it’s letting them believe in something GOOD in the world. With so much crap going on already, what’s the harm in letting some magic and believing happen while they are still little?

I don’t recall any friends or family screaming and yelling at their parents “YOU LIED TO ME ALL THESE YEARS! HOW COULD YOU?” I just don’t know anyone who was upset.

People these days truly expect kids to grow up so fast and then wonder why so many kids act like little growups and have stress etc…

Let kids be kids — there’s enough time in their lives to be adults and have worries, I say.

Not knocking those who don’t believe or use Santa, but man, if more people “believed” IMO, the world would be a lot happier!

- TracyG on November 25th, 2008

I grew up believing in Santa and it’s such a beautiful fun tradition- I have so much joy in watching my son write his letter to Santa because he truly believes in that fat but yet so kind and magical man who flies around the world on Christmas Eve, delivering presents to good boys and girls.
My son calls him, ” Pere Noel!”
He’s always calling out, ” Maman, ou est le Pere Noel?”
I cannot wait for this Christmas, it’ll be so magical and special with just me, my son and his aunty!

- babyboopie on November 25th, 2008

I believed in Santa Claus up until I was about 7 years old and that’s because all the kids in my class told me he wasn’t real! But, gosh, the magic of Christmas when you’re a child is Santa Claus. To imagine that this guy from the North Pole travels around the world and leaves presents for you and you open them on Christmas Day and it’s EXACTLY what you asked for! Magical. I would NEVER take that away from my children.

Yes, I eventually found out that Santa Claus wasn’t real and my parents were the ones putting the presents under the tree. Was I crushed? No. Did it ruin Christmas? No.

Children are young for such a short amount of time and I want my children to believe in Santa Claus for as long as they want. I see absolutely nothing wrong with believing.

- Stephany on November 25th, 2008

Santa Claus was so magical to me. When my sister told me (I think I was 7 or 8), I admit that I was sad but briefly because I then loved playing the part of believing and pretending for my younger siblings. It continued when my nephews were born. It is even better now with my 3 young girls. To me, it is just as okay to believe in Santa as it is to pretend play.

- Valeri on November 25th, 2008

We believed in Santa as kids, i remember finding out when i was about 8 when i saw my mum putting the stocking on the end of my bed. In our house Santa only delived the stocking, which were only little bits (stationery, socks etc) plus a nice shiny coin and orange. The presentes under the tree where always labelled and they were gifts from friends and family.

- helen on November 25th, 2008

hmm I would like to add that when I found out there was no Santa I was crushed…yet I got over it!! Kids will find many disappoinments throughout life and the best lesson you can teach them is to be able to put things behind them and move on. It didn’t not change Christmas for me. It just becomes a different kind of magic after.

I don’t disagree with those that choose to not tell their children about Santa that’s a personal decision but I think looking back had I been told there was no Santa I would have been more crushed knowing I never had a few years of that magical belief.

I will def. tell my children about Santa and my nieces and nephews love and talk about Santa with a great big smile and a sparkle in their eyes. They also know that Santa brings them presents and so does mommy and daddy and other relatives.
on a lighter note, Santa is a great excuse to get your children to listen to you, “Santa’s watching you so don’t misbehave!” lol…but on a serious note I don’t think it’s harmful to allow children to have special beliefs in things that don’t exist. For me Santa is still something I look back on and have fond memories of growing up.

- JM on November 25th, 2008

Santa comes from Saint Nicholas who was real and took his inheritance from his parents at an early age and gave to all the children in his village. The idea of Santa Clause is the idea of giving and the magic of Christmas.

- Candace Loewenstein on November 25th, 2008

I remember growing up believing in Santa, it was so magical and exciting. I would count down the days to Christmas for weeks. I always tried to wait up for Santa but my Dad told me Santa wouldnt come until i fell asleep hehe. We would leave carrots for the reindeers and milk and cookies for Santa. I discovered myself he wasnt real about age 7 – and i admit Christmas just wasnt as magical as it was before – but i had younger siblings i pretended with and it brought me so much joy to watch their excitement!I would defintely want the same for my children.

- Jessica on November 25th, 2008

When I stopped believing in Santa, it was because that year when I was about 7, I didn’t receive anything from Santa, and I was so hurt, nobody said anything about, he didn’t come that year and he never came again.

It is harmless in a way, but can be really hurtful, and I tend to see it a little more on the lying side myself, although it is a magical thing. At that age its hard to see the whole thing as we do now as adults, and I know I never would have thought of finding out that he doesn’t exist as a “discovery”.

I guess maybe if I have children one day I’ll let them believe for a few years. To me imagination is one thing, because nobody is ever disappointed from imagination, but they are dissapointed at the realization of fake Santa. So I can’t see it as the same thing myself. It was good while it lasted though.

- Audrey on November 26th, 2008

I WAS BROUGHT UP KNOWING THAT THERE WAS NO SUCH THING AS SANTA AND ANNOYED MOST OF MY PEERS BY TELLING THEM…IN RETROSPECT I GUESS THEY MUST HAVE BEEN CRUSHED, BUT THERE IS NO NEED FOR THAT REALLY. WHY LIE TO KIDS? JUST TELL THEM YOU BOUGHT IT FOR THEM BECAUSE YOU LOVE THEM, AND TELL THEM ABOUT CHRIST, WHO LAST TIME I CHECKED, IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE FOCUS OF THE HOLIDAY. LIE TO YOUR KIDS AND THEY WILL DISTRUST YOU IN THE FUTURE

- CRIS on November 26th, 2008

I was told, and I’ve told my kids- you stop believing, Santa stops coming. And all Mom gets you are socks and underwear….

- AO on November 26th, 2008

brannon – It’s not lying – it’s believing. And it’s not disappointment, its discovery. Both are equally magical – very nicely said and I agree.

Bren – I also agree with you.

Karen – Even though I knew Santa was really Mom and Dad I still put out cookies for Santa and carrots for the raindeer. Christmas to me is about family and traditions, and Santa is one of those traditions! – I agree with you also …. and I did the same thing. I like the idea of traditions more than anything.

I think it’s great that children can have a imagination to believe in Santa, The Easter Bunny, The Tooth Fairy etc ….. it shows great innocense.

My daughter is 8 years old and still believes, I will continue to let her believe for as long as possible. Because in my family guess what Santa is real. He might not be the jolly fat guy that lives at the north pole that drives a flying sled with magical reindeers but he’s real in a sense that he’s a “magical” presense that knows if your naughty or nice and rewards you for your good behavior.
At Christmas in my family we (the parents) don’t get your christmas gifts – we provide for you all year long – they all come from santa. To this day all of my presents from my parents come from Santa ….. he’s real as long as you believe. Once you stop believing, Christmas just isn’t the same. Why ruin that innocent harmless magical fun for your child (IMO)?

Children in my daughter’s class along with neighborhood kids have told her that Santa isn’t real, and she told them and her exact words …. “He’s real as long as you choose to believe in him, and I believe he’s real!”. – now how sweet is that…..

- Bancie1031 on November 28th, 2008

I remember being so sad when I found out there was no Santa Claus. But, even before that, my parents asked me to donate some of my toys to Toys for Tots for Christmas because “some little girls and boys are poor and don’t get toys for Christmas.” Talk about being confused! I didn’t understand why Santa would leave them out because they were poor. When I asked my parents about that, they didn’t answer me because they didn’t know what to say. I was a bit precocious and looked at things very deeply even as a small child. I’ll admit, I loved the fantasy of Santa, but it was crushing to find out he wasn’t real in the form I had been told. I kept some of the magic alive by “believing” for my little sister until she, too, found out the truth. I struggled with what to do with my own children…do I play along with the Santa myth or do I tell them the truth for fear they would wonder what ELSE I was lying about. It was such a difficult decision for me. But, since all of their friends believed in Santa, I let them, too. And when they found out the truth, I told them that Santa was real in our hearts because we love and give at Christmas time and we are Santa by giving those gifts of love. More importantly, I told them Christmas was truly about the love God has for us and the gift of salvation Christ gave to us and that was when we celebrated His birth and that was the REAL Christmas. They could relate to that.

- SouthernBelle on November 30th, 2008