@shac
Never.

When others tell them that Santa isn't real and then demand answers from you, what you tell them is that St. Nicholas was a Bishop in Turkey who became so legendary helping children in dire need that he got helpers and his team grew over the years.

The people who want kids to believe that they're Santa are actually the bishop's helpers and the kids you're talking to can be helpers too, when they give to other children less fortunate.

Santa isn't about kids getting presents--Santa is about helping & giving, not getting, and the joy of Santa's helpers is all the smiles they get when they give to a kid that needs it.

Tell your kids that Santa doesn't really deliver toys by flying his sleigh around the world in a flash. All the toys are delivered by all his helpers, and THAT is the real secret.

When it's time to talk to your kids about Santa, all you have to do is tell them the truth about Bishop Nicholas, the saint.