DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.' Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus? - Virginia O'Hanlon 115 West Ninety-Fifth Street

Everybody knows Francis Church's New York Sun editorial in September 21, 1897. It has been reprinted and quoted so many times.

Now, should your child ask if there is really a Santa Claus, how would you answer?

Personally, I'd probably quote Francis Church or I could also take my children to see the movie Santa Claus 3: The Escape Clause.

What about YOU? How would you explain it to your child?