I told my son this when he was 3. His mother was livid. I don't see the benefit to lying to children. And these kids were 11, I promise hes not the first person to tell them, at least one classmate has informed them of this.

Why do we adult persist in lying to our children.

I told my kids when they were very young.

Daddy? when will father christmas be coming to leave the presents under the tree?

My reply.

He wont, its your mother and I who buy presents for you because we love you. When you go to sleep I will put your presents under the tree.

I never understood Santa. Why would parents want to train their kids to be susceptible to lies? I wholeheartedly believe that Santa is a thing the government uses to reduce the populace's ability to think critically. Why would you oppose your government if you think like a fairy tale person and believe all the lies they tell you and cry like a little baby when someone presents you with evidence to the contrary?