Spoiler alert: if you’re expecting Father Christmas to come down your chimney (or through some door or window since only a few of us have chimneys here) to place your gifts under the Christmas tree, stop reading right now. If you’re still reading this I’m going to assume you know it won’t be an old, bearded, chubby man in a red suit putting those gifts underneath the Christmas tree.

You might chuckle at the thought now, but what did you think of it when you were just an innocent child?

I remember being on my best behaviour as we got closer to Christmas Eve so that I would get all the nice toys I would have added to my wish list. Then, on the big night, my mother would tuck me in bed telling me I should go to sleep because otherwise, Father Christmas wouldn’t pay me a visit.

The following morning, I would jump out of bed with my brother in close pursuit, and rip off the wrapping paper. I even remember arguing with my cousins during every Christmas lunch over how Father Christmas keeps his workshop hidden from everyone in the North Pole, what his wife does, Rudolph’s nose, and how Father Christmas gets into our house since we had no chimney. We had a vivid imagination and we took whatever it produced very seriously.

I also remember the day, when I was four years old, when all these thoughts were shattered like a bauble. There I was, the youngest child in the family, minding my own business as I played with my toys. My cousin (who was only a year older than I was) walked to the window and called me over. I ran over to him to figure out what the fuss was about and he pointed outside. As I looked out of the window I noticed my father walking to the car.

“He’s fetching your Christmas present,” my cousin told me.

I kept watching as my dad lugged out a big box.

“Father Christmas doesn’t exist. It’s your parents who give you the presents,” my cousin added.

Recently I was out for lunch with my friends and someone brought up the topic of Father Christmas. While it felt like someone robbed me of a dear part of Christmas, for some of my friends, it was quite different.

John Debono

Back when you believed in Father Christmas, how did you picture him?

I didn’t really give it much thought. I was just extremely excited going to bed on Christmas Eve to wait for him to come. I would stay up all night to watch him arrive but I never got to see him.

How did you think Father Christmas managed to get all the presents delivered on time?

I knew there was something magical about Christmas and believed that anything was possible. I had also heard through the classroom grapevine that Father Christmas had lots of helpers to ensure he got the job done.

Did you leave him cookies by the tree?

I remember one year in particular when I left him a beer. My mother had told me he would prefer something alcoholic instead of milk.

And how did you believe Father Christmas managed to get into your house?

We had chimneys at home, but as long as our stockings were full, my brothers and I weren’t really concerned with how Father Christmas arrived.

How old were you when you found out that Father Christmas doesn’t exist?

I don’t remember the exact age so it must have been a long time ago.

How did it happen?

My older brother had discovered the secret and wanted to ruin the fun for my younger brother and I.

How did you react when you found out?

I didn’t take it too badly. As long as the presents kept coming, I was very happy.

How does it compare to when you found out the tooth fairy doesn’t exist?

I never believed in the tooth fairy but I used to pretend I did to swap my teeth for some money.

Did you give away the secret to someone else?

No. I didn’t want to ruin the fun side of Christmas for others.

If you have kids, would you keep Father Christmas alive?

Yes of course, especially if they leave a beer or two for him.

Jurgen Pavanello

Back when you believed in Father Christmas, how did you picture him?

Imagine a theme park of your choice where you would find a massive toy workshop, small craft cottages, an elf clubhouse and a glittery reindeer barn. In the middle of all of this were Mrs Santa’s kitchen and a very large Christmas tree. The entire village would be scented in a sweet and spicy aroma and decorated with glittery edible tinsels, baubles and flickering colourful lights. The elves had different roles and the reindeer would sleep in candy-scented stables. Father Christmas would be in his library, reading letters from children all around the world. Yes, I had a very vivid imagination.

How did you think Father Christmas managed to get all the presents delivered on time?

He used a magical sack where gifts would be teleported directly from the workshop. Moreover, his little helpers also ensured that he was keeping up to speed with the delivery of gifts.

Did you leave him cookies by the tree?

Not really.

And how did you believe Father Christmas managed to get into your house?

I would always leave the back garden door unlocked.

How old were you when you found out that Father Christmas doesn’t exist?

I was about six years old when I started to question his existence.

How did it happen?

I was at school and Christmas was approaching. Everyone was bringing along their homemade crafts and tinsels to decorate the classroom. We were asked to write a letter to Father Christmas with our wish list of possible compensations for our good deeds. I did but guess what? Robocop never paid me a visit.

How did you react when you found out?

I certainly became naughtier since my humble good deeds didn’t pay as much as expected.

How does it compare to when you found out the tooth fairy doesn’t exist?

What? Where is the money coming from then?

Did you give away the secret to someone else?

Of course not.

If you have kids, would you keep Father Christmas alive?

Definitely, as it leaves room for imagination and creativity.

Graziella Delceppo

Back when you believed in Father Christmas, how did you picture him?

Pretty much like what we saw on books, television and Christmas cards: a bearded old man in a suit carrying presents.

How did you think Father Christmas managed to get all the presents delivered on time?

Unexplained mysteries.

Did you leave him cookies by the tree?

Not that I remember. As a kid, I never used to wait for Christmas morning to open my presents. I used to sneak out of my room while everyone was asleep and open the presents quietly. I would then wrap them again and put them back under the tree. Christmas presents were never a surprise.

And how did you believe Father Christmas managed to get into your house?

I used to think that my mother would open the door for him.

How old were you when you found out that Father Christmas doesn’t exist?

Four years old.

How did it happen?

I have always been very picky about what sort of presents I want for Christmas, so when I was four, my mum took me around the toyshops so I could choose my presents myself. I quickly figured out that there’s no Father Christmas.

How did you react when you found out?

To be completely honest, it didn’t really affect me in any way.

How does it compare to when you found out the tooth fairy doesn’t exist?

It took me longer to realise that the tooth fairy doesn’t exist.

Did you give away the secret to someone else?

No.

If you have kids, would you keep Father Christmas alive?

I don’t think so. I can be their Father Christmas.