ON THE STREET

This week the Southeast Missourian asked, "When did you find out the truth about Santa Claus?"

Chuck Goodie, Scott City

"I can't remember how old I was but it when I caught my dad putting toys together down in the basement. I guess I was five or six somewhere in there. We had talk and then I helped him put the toys together."

Marsha Lynn, Scott City

"I was six years-old and I didn't tell anyone. We had a hallway and I had to go to the bathroom and I snuck down the hallway and mom and dad were putting gifts under the tree. And, I never told them that I caught them. I knew then that they had been lying to me all my life," Lynn laughed.

Brenda Moyers, Scott City

"It was first grade. It's just a family tradition that's when mom and dad told us. All the kids learned in the first grade. I think I was a little disappointed. But, you know I'm 52 and I still believe in Santa Claus."

Shannon Huffman, Advance

"Well, I was in first grade I guess and it didn't really affect me. But, I was worried about my mom so I lied to her for about three years. I was probably told her in fourth grade that I found out. She just couldn't believe that I knew that long and kept it a secret to keep her from being upset."

Deanna Winchester, Delta

"When I was six my brother told me and it kind of disappointed me because I always thought it was Santa Claus and really it was my mom waking up and putting them (presents) under the tree."