Are your kids getting to the age where they are beginning to question things? And by things I mean SANTA! Just the other day one of my sons found a note from the tooth fairy from many years ago and he was looking at it with a puzzled expression. I asked him what he was thinking. He says- I don’t want to not believe but this letter looks a lot like your handwriting mum.

SHIT!!

If you’ve had a few near misses like that in the past and are looking for ways to prolong the magic of Christmas for a few more years then look no further. We’ve compiled a list of kiddie-proof, santa-believing ways to make sure you don’t get caught out and look like an idiot this Christmas.

1. CHANGE YOUR HANDWRITING. Or better yet, get someone else to write the letter to your child from Santa. You may think your child doesn’t recognise your handwriting, but believe me kids should work for the FBI they have such amazing photographic memories!
2. DO NOT USE THE SAME WRAPPING PAPER.  If you’ve wrapped everyone’s pressies in that cheap $2 shop paper please don’t try telling the kids Santa shops there too!
3. TAKE OUT ALL RECEIPTS FROM BOXES. I learnt this the hard way one year when my son asked why the book he received had a receipt from Readings in there. I quickly said it was so we can return it if we wanted to. I don’t think he bought it.
   
4. ASSEMBLE TOYS. If you’re giving your child a bike for Christmas do take it out of the box and assemble it. Unless you just say Santa is into space saving on his sleigh and boxes are easier to stack.
5. LEAVE FOOTPRINTS. If a stranger has managed to break into your house without you waking up and has left presents, then surely there would be footprints right? Just don’t leave the boots you used to make the prints by the back door.
6. EAT THE FOOD. This is the fun part. Whatever food you leave for Santa make sure it gets eaten. You can even go the extra mile and chew on a couple of carrots you’ve left outside for the reindeers.
7. TIP TOE! I’m convinced kids sleep lightly on Christmas Eve. If you’re leaving presents in their room make sure you don’t hit them in the head accidentally with any packages!
   
   
8. TRACK SANTA. Use one of those Santa trackers that follow Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. Even I love watching a satellite device following flying reindeers above the clouds. Magic!
9. DON”T LEAVE SNACKS FROM THE PANTRY. If you leave goodies in their stockings on Christmas Eve don’t make the mistake of using the snacks that are already in the pantry or the fridge. Remember that photographic memory kids have? They know EXACTLY where every piece of chocolate is in your house. And they know what brand it is and how many are left.
10. ACT EXCITED ON CHRISTMAS MORNING. I know you’ve seen the gift from Santa a million times but when your child rips open that wrapping paper make sure you scream just as loud as they do. Act surprised! If nothing else just for the fact that you managed to pull off Santa for yet another year!