It’s that time of year again, where the big man in a red suit makes his appearance everywhere as children frantically get to work on their wish list. But what happens when your child starts to question whether or not Santa is real? It’s a stage we all come to, but thankfully, there’s a fabulous new book to help us navigate it with ease, ‘Your Santa Agent Invitation’. It’s a must read when it comes to telling your kids the truth about Santa.
It’s the three words I’m dreading hearing from my 7-year-old’s mouth, “Is Santa real?” I’m hoping we are still a couple of years away from this, but I know just how much it pays to be prepared. If she had asked me a few days ago, I’m not sure how I would have answered! Your Santa Agent Invitation is now buried in the cupboard, ready to bring out when Cassie starts asking the big questions! Here’s what you need to know about the book and telling kids the truth about Santa.
Your Santa Agent
New children’s picture book, Your Santa Agent Invitation is a parent’s guide to explaining Santa to children in a positive and enjoyable way, letting them know they have a special role to play in keeping the magic of Christmas alive.
Written in a gentle and easy rhyme, this book is a delightful way to navigate one of the most awkward parent/child conversations, enabling an honest discussion with warmth and cheer.
By covering the history of Saint Nick and inviting the child to become a ‘Santa Agent’, this book transforms a time of potential loss into an opportunity for gain. It shows children that knowing the true identity of Santa is, in fact, a cause for celebration.
Written by Australian writer and journalist Alex Lalak, and Australian marketing executive, author and mother, Louise Cummins, the children’s book offers both children and grown-ups a new way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
We chat with Alex to answer all the questions about the book.
FESTIVE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS IN SYDNEY 2022
Interview with author Alex Lalak
What age would you say the book is aimed at?
Around 6 or 7 is when many children first ask questions, but the average range is between 6-10.
How do you know when’s the right time to sit down and read this book?
As a parent or caregiver, you’ll be a good judge of the right time for your child. Many people choose to wait until their child starts to ask some pointed questions, demonstrating that they are thinking about it – yet others prefer to get ahead of it a little earlier.
Whenever you choose, we believe being in charge of the conversation will mean you are in control of the narrative and this book helps tell the truth in an empowering way that can strengthen relationships.
Any tips for keeping the book away from siblings or helping kids understand they can’t tell little ones about it?
We recommend at the end of the book not to leave it lying around – and it’s up to grown-ups to explain the reason for this to their children. It’s good to reinforce the importance of them not telling their friends as that something parents should do.
Any tips on how to get kids to help being Santa Agents?
In the book we suggest creating a ‘Mission List’ for your new Santa Agent with some simple, fun activities they can do to help build the magic of Christmas. Some of the ideas we highlight are: bake cookies, read a Christmas story, make a card for your teacher or carer or make a decoration for the tree. But the options are endless! And coming up with new and creative ideas is all part of the fun…
