“How do I tell my child the truth about Santa Claus?” “Is it time to tell my child the truth?” “When is it time to tell my child the truth about Santa Claus?” – These are questions that parents often dread asking themselves. In part because we know the significance of telling our children the truth about Santa. It means that “our little one” is growing up. That somehow we are losing a pure child.

In reality, learning the truth about Santa Claus does not need to be a letdownto your child/ren. And it certainly need not be a sad threshold for you. Yes your child/ren are growing up. This is a wonderful joy! It is part of the journey you take as a parent and one that we all take in our own lives.

Helping Parents Share the Truth About Santa Claus

With Love, Magic, and a Gentle Heart

As parents, we cherish the wide-eyed wonder of our children during the Christmas season. From the moment they first hear the jingling of sleigh bells or spot Santa in a parade down Main Street, their imaginations take flight. For years, we nurture the story of Santa Claus with joy—carefully writing letters, nibbling cookies on Christmas Eve, and placing gifts by the tree under a blanket of midnight magic.

But one day, a new question arises.

“Is Santa Claus real?”
And in that moment, your heart may ache, unsure of how to answer.

Whether your child is asking directly or just beginning to suspect, many parents in Sandy, Gresham, Estacada, Boring, and across Clackamas County find themselves asking the same thing:

How do I tell them the truth… without taking away the magic?

That’s where I can help.

Who I Am

My name is Josh AKA Father Christmas of the Three Mountains. I’m a real-bearded Santa portrayal artist living right here in Sandy, Oregon, and I’ve been portraying Santa since 2022 I have appeared at Christmas parties and community events and home visits with Santa throughout the region—at community tree lightings at Sandy’s Winterfest, Breakfast with Santa at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds for foster children, and cozy home visits from Mt. Hood to Gresham. But one of the most meaningful parts of my work is offering gentle, guided storytelling sessions that help bridge the gap between belief and understanding.

If you’re a parent ready to share the truth about Santa, I can help you do so with tenderness, respect, and a continued sense of wonder.

The Gentle Goodbye… and the Beautiful New Beginning

Telling your child that Santa Claus—as they’ve known him—may not be exactly real can feel like you’re taking something away. But I believe it’s just the opposite. It’s an opportunity to invite your child into the magic in a whole new way.

Instead of an ending, this can be a beginning.

What if your child learned:

• That they’re now being trusted with a very special secret, just like grown-ups?
• That being Santa means giving, sharing, and creating joy for others?
• That the magic they’ve felt all these years was real—because you made it real?

With care and authenticity, I will help guide your child from one stage of their journey to the next. And I’ll do it in a way that celebrates your family’s values, keeps the spirit of Christmas alive, and leaves your child feeling honored—not heartbroken.

What the Session Includes

Each experience is unique to your child and your family. Together, we’ll plan a custom visit (in person or virtual, depending on your location and preferences) in which I appear as Santa or as a regular person depending on your preference.

A session might include:

• A personal story or legend that gently transitions from fantasy to reality
• Words of affirmation that validate your child’s feelings
• A symbolic moment where your child is “invited” to become a Santa Helper, carrying on the tradition
• Encouragement to use their new role to bring kindness to siblings, neighbors, and others

For younger children or more sensitive hearts, I adjust the language and pacing. For older children who may already suspect, I acknowledge their maturity and help them understand the deeper meaning behind the Santa tradition.

These visits typically last 20–30 minutes, with additional time for hugs, questions, and photos if you like.

Is Your Family Ready?

Ask yourself:

• Has your child started asking questions about Santa?
• Are they showing signs of doubt, curiosity, or confusion?
• Do you want to preserve the magic of giving, even as they grow?
• Would a gentle conversation with a trusted, kind Santa figure help ease the transition?

If so, let’s talk. I’m here to support you and your child/ren, and help ensure that the spirit of Santa continues to live in your home—not just during the holidays, but always.

Booking a Truth-Telling Santa Visit

You can schedule a special “Truth About Santa” visit by contacting me by emailing me at fatherchristmas3m@gmail.com.

Visits can be:

• In-person (within 30 miles of Sandy, Oregon)
• Virtual via Zoom for families in surrounding areas or during the off-season

Sessions are offered year-round, because questions can come up at any time—not just in December.

Let’s work together and give one last Santa encounter to your child/ren. One that they will remember fondly and for years to come!