With the Santa Claus myth still doing the rounds, despite the years, it had to lead to grown adults believing that it’s part of the Christmas tradition, and children still believing Santa is real. But have you ever wondered at what age do kids stop believing the good myth? In case you are, a recent study carried out by psychologist Chris Boyle from the University of Exeter, UK has found out.
The study conducted a “Santa survey” that asked people around the world to report on what prompted them to change their minds about Santa and how they felt when they found out the truth as a part of The Exeter Santa Survey. The study received 1200 responses from around the world, revealing that the average age children discover the reality about Santa was eight. Amongst the people surveyed, one-third of them reported feeling upset when they found Santa wasn’t real, while 15% of them felt betrayed by their parents and 10% of them felt angry.30% of the people also said that they were less trusting in adults after the ‘Santa discovery.’ The study also found out that believing in Santa helped 34% of the respondents in improving their behaviour to avoid coming in Santa’s naughty list.
Amongst the other findings, the study stated that 34% of the adults wished that they still believed in Santa and 72% of the parents were happy to play along with their kids about Santa.
The survey received a few amusing responses. One participant said when they found out Santa wasn’t real when they were woken up by their drunk father when they were 11 years of age. Other found out when they caught their parents drinking and eating what was put out for Father Christmas.
Boy, reminiscing our childhood Santa memories, sure helped in getting into the Christmas spirits. What about you?
