There is one universal conversation no parent wants to have: telling their child the truth about Santa Claus. But, it’s a conversation we will all have to have at some point.  Thankfully, mom Charity Hutchinson has shared with Upworthy a way to have this conversation that won’t crush the hearts of those little ones we love.

Here’s how it works:

1. Find a time to take your kid out, one-on-one, to a favorite spot and deliver the great news: The time has come for them to become a Santa. She suggests saying something like: “You sure have grown an awful lot this year. Not only are you taller, but I can see that your heart has grown, too.”
2. Assure your child that they’re ready to become a Santa because they understand the true meaning of giving. “You probably have noticed that most of the Santas you see are people dressed up like him. Some of your friends might have even told you that there is no Santa.  A lot of children think that because they aren’t ready to BE a Santa yet, but YOU ARE.”
3. Now that they’re in on the secret, have them choose someone who could really use a great gift and devise a plan to give it away. “The child’s mission is to secretly find out something that a person they know needs, and then provide it, wrap it, deliver it, and never reveal where it came from.”
4. Remind them that being Santa is top-secret business. And that, next year, they can carry on with their selfless Santa duties once again.  “I had to remind him that NO ONE could ever know what he did or he wouldn’t be a Santa.”

Such a great way to have the Santa conversation. What tips do you have for other moms?