Fading Magic

I can't remember when I quit believing in Santa (honestly, I don't think I have completely). It took me a while, though, because the magic of it all was so strong.
Needless to say, it was exciting when I had kids and could start the tradition with them, picking out fun items to fill stockings, making sure they got a picture with the man in red each year. But this year, they're eleven and nine, and while they still assure me they believe, some of the magic is starting fade.

On Thanksgiving, we were watching the Macy's parade on one channel. It always ends with Santa. Then, we flipped over and watched a parade in Pennsylvania. It also ended with Santa. My kids said, "Wait. He was in both parades? He had to travel fast!"
Of course, they already believe he can travel fast, so that wasn't a terrible problem, but it definitely made them stop and think.
This last Saturday, we attended Breakfast with Santa at church. Our turn came to speak to the gentleman and have our pictures made. Afterward, my daughter looked at me and said, "Mommy, that was just a man pretending to be Santa--a helper." I asked her why she believed that.
"He said he had a grandson."
I assured her Santa was old enough to have a grandson.
She replied, "There are no stories about him."
Let's be honest. There are stories, but I don't think she's read or seen them yet. Still, I think this is the first year she's realized there are people who pretend to be Santa. His "helpers."
So, while she still believes, she's starting to put together some pieces that she hadn't noticed in the past. I know in a few years, she'll discover the "truth." And it will be bittersweet. Part of growing up.
Until then, I plan to enjoy the magic of Christmas morning once again this year, where kids run to discover what was left in stockings and check to see if cookies and milk were eaten.
How about you? Do you still have believers in your house? Is your magic lingering or fading?