<p>10ish, and the effect spread into organized religion, as well.</p>
<p>My ‘kids’ still believe. If you don’t believe, he won’t come on Christmas Eve. They also believe that St. Nicholas fills their shoes for St. Nicholas Day. </p>
<p>Now in reality, I think D quit believing when she was about 10, but her brother is six years younger, so she never said a word about it. S believed until he was eight or nine. H actually made reindeer tracks in the yard for many years. :)</p>
<p>We still read The Polar Express every year, and last year’s recipient of the bell wraps it for this year’s recipient with a note that says, “At one time most of my friends could hear the bell. But as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found, one Christmas, that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me… as it does for all who truly believe.” I also like the line when Santa says, “The true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.”</p>