Letters to the Editor
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Telling, but not telling
I think there is a gentle way to ease kids into the realization that Santa is not a literal jolly old elf that comes down everyone's chimneys with a sack full of presents. When they start asking questions about how it could be possible, you can encourage that questioning. You can ask questions in response, like "If you don't think Santa can actually come down all the chimneys, then what might Santa really do at Christmas? What is really important about the idea of Santa?"
I think that the idea of Santa and what he represents are much more powerful and meaningful than any actual man in a red suit, than any actual gifts under the tree. The idea that there is a spirit of giving, of charity, within us all, and that we take time out every year to celebrate that spirit, are wonderful things to pass on to a child. And a bright, inquisitive 13 year old is probably old enough to understand that, with a little gentle guidance.