Christmas is observed much longer in the Philippines than in other countries.

When the calendar flips from August to September, people will undoubtedly expect to see streets and even homes filled with the glittering, twinkling lights that bring glow in the evenings for months.

But nothing is more exciting than when December starts to kick in, most especially for children who have behaved well throughout the year.

For these youngsters, who believe that Santa Claus is a big, jolly old man with a white beard dressed in a bright red suit with white fuzzy trim, the best part of Christmas is discovering wrapped gifts hidden beneath the Christmas tree and treats stashed away in stockings that are often hung by the door.

They were frequently told that Santa Claus sails through the skies in his reindeer-drawn sleigh and visits each chimney to deliver gifts for sleeping children. Never mind if many have not seen a chimney in their lives.

But why do many kids get into this tale?

Like every other child, Kevin de Jesus used to think that it was Santa Claus who left his desired presents for Christmas in the big empty sock-shaped bag.

"I really believe that there was a Santa Claus back then because my socks are always full," he said.

Usually wishing for a gun toy or simple microcars, Kevin patiently waited until the stroke of midnight on 24 December to see if Santa granted his wish.

Santa made Kevin's life magical but it soon ended when he was six when his older siblings revealed that their mother and aunt were responsible for the gifts.

"I know Santa is only a myth," he said.

"It was so sad since I really believed that there was a Santa who makes children happy. I remember there was a time I wanna confront mom and aunt about that since we never had the chance to talk about it. But of course, since everyone in my age has also stopped believing in Santa, I let it pass."

Kristine, Kevin's mother, said no matter how every parent tries to conceal the Christmas magic, kids will naturally wonder if Santa really exists at all.

Most youngsters, she said, go through levels of understanding of Santa as they grow up, moving from concrete beliefs founded in magic to more abstract ones based on reality.

It could be time to figure out how to wind things down once you start to notice the questions popping up more frequently, according to her.

After all, Kristine said, everyone has their unique ways of sharing.

Still, December is the month of giving, and there's no way better to celebrate Christmas than by spreading cheers.