So i was spending some qt time with my stepkids this past week and we went shopping and did other things. I took them to JCP to look for clothes for their christmas pictures and while we were there we ran into santa. My ss was not the least bit amused, he was like santa yah right, and my sd was scared to even be close to him. She looked at him as if it was her first time seeing santa. My ss is 8 and sd is 6. Anyways after geting her to talk to them she was still afraid after we left. So as were walking through the store to comfort her, i tell her that it okay, that's not the real santa he just a helper. As the day continues and our mall crawl goes on were looking at stores and toys and talking about what to get for christmas. The whole day without even thinking i'm telling the kids to make sure they put all of that stuff on their list and we'll see which one ends up under the tree. I continue to tell them what there dad and i want to get them for christmas. Some how the conversation turns to my ss saying so you and daddy are the one's that buy the presents. I couldn't think of a good recover, so i just came out and said that santa was not real. I feel bad for having said it and like i crushed their dreams. At the same time i'm not good at lieing and not good with making stuff up on the spot.