Is there really a Father Christmas????

My daughter asked me the big question today...

Is there really a Father Christmas? Now this is a tricky question for adults, so I word my reply in a way to keep her thinking about what she as just asked me. If there is no Father Christmas where did the idea come from? I send her away hoping that my reply will keep her busy, but no. My seven year old daughter is not daft.

‘Daddy lifted the mattress up and I looked under your bed and saw loads of presents. Who are they for? Daddy thought I did not see them, but I did.’

I send her away with the usual excuse of mummy is busy.

Later that day I give my husband an ear bashing. He said but you did not tell me they were hidden under my side of the bed. My reply, it is the same place every year because there is nowhere else to hide them Doh!

So the big mystery may have been solved, but I still took her to see the ‘Winter Wonderland’ at Hyde Park. My daughter sat near Father Christmas and told him what she would like for Christmas. As we walked away she said ‘He looked like the real Father Christmas, but I know he is not. He has loads of helpers that dress up as him.’ My reply was quick. ‘Yes but the helpers’ report back to Father Christmas so you had better watch it.’