I found the present stash when I was about 5-6 years old and spent a few years continuing to go through the motions of Santa, playing dumb. I was also told by a non-Christian kid around that time that Santa was fake (not sure which came first). It made me very upset for a day, which is why I remember so clearly, and then I realized either way Christmas is still great. I'm glad I played dumb, for my sister's sake, and I think my parents got a kick out of it.

My kids are of the age where they're starting to think critically about it. We've never directly lied and said that he's real and have instead answered their questions with a "do you think he's real?", and then they have a think and conclude that he is.

When they come to us with more of a statement than a question, for example "Santa isn't real, is he?", then we will let them in on the ruse.

Well, the Queen is dead now, so you're free to give up the ghost on everything else.

Except... for Tom Turkey.

We have to all take that secret to our graves.

You teach it as young as you can. Teach them to laugh at the pathetic, hate-mongering Christians and their silly traditions that make no sense. Encourage them to tell their peers the truth at school as well.