I'm surprised so many people were "dissapointed when I found out". For me it was just a gradual realization, as my brain developed I started to look at the world more logically, and thus eventually figured it out for myself.
I can't say for sure when I really stopped believing in Santa Clause; I sorta held the belief for a few years just for the fun of it. I offically declared him not real at 11 or 12, but I think I had my "denial"(lol) period starting at 8.


As for the whole story, I see no harm in it. I remember when we had this same argument in my 11th grade English class; our teacher was saying she didn't feel it was right to "lie to her kids". But really, I never looked at my parents one day and said "Oh how could you do it!? How could you lie to me!?!?". As soon as I realized he didn't exist I knew it was just for fun.


I mean damn, I wish I could still believe in Santa! Christmas was the most magical time of my life as a kid, when the world became this magical, peaceful, happy place. Like the best kind of shroom trip, but frankly better!