Don’t tell Santa, but most Georgia kids stop believing in him before age 9
When Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers recorded “I Believe in Santa Claus” in 1984, they were 38 and 46 years old, respectively. But most people are much younger when they stop making that statement.
According to a survey from BetCarolina, by the time they reach 10, the average American no longer thinks Santa is real. In Georgia, the average age is 8 years and 10 months.
Much like the holiday classic “The Year Without a Santa Claus” — when a weary Santa decides to stay at the North Pole on Christmas Eve — children’s belief in the jolly ol’ elf seems to be waning.
The sports betting portal surveyed 3,000 Americans over age 21. Of those polled, 49% were male, and 51% were female. Twenty percent were ages 21-34; 19% were 35-44; 19% were 44-54; 18% were 55-64; and 24% were 65 and older.
Although the survey found 7% of respondents stopped believing before they reached the ripe old age of 5, 10% stayed on the nice list until they were 15 or older.
Our picks this week
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is your No. 1 source for things to do, see, make, buy and eat through the holidays. Here are our recommendations:
LISTEN: What’s on Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ holiday playlist?
DRINK: Here’s the holiday spirit Atlanta’s sipping this Christmas
DO: Seven places to show off your ice skating moves in and around Atlanta
VISIT: Full AJC holiday guide for things to do, buy and enjoy
For our full coverage of holiday events around metro Atlanta, check out the AJC’s Things to Do page.
Nationwide, the average age for questioning the fat man’s existence is 9 years, 1 month, with boys tending to believe a bit longer than girls do. According to the survey, 31% of boys, but only 27% of girls, held out until they were 10 or older.
Texas respondents said they were true to St. Nicholas until 10 years and 5 months old, longer than any other state. Georgia was No. 28 with its 8 years and 10 months, but Oregonians tended to give up at 7 years and 6 months, on average.
Just don’t tell Santa about this. We don’t want to hurt his feelings.
About the Author
Nancy Clanton is a lead producer for The AJC's platforms team, but also writes stories about health, travel, events and entertainment. A native of Knoxville and graduate of the University of Tennessee, she has worked at the AJC for 24 years.
