12 years old isnt a little kid anymore nowadays. IF it was me, I would explain that the spirit of Santa Claus is alive and well and very real.

I've always had a hard time with the way that we perpetuate the fantasies that will always be discovered. The way we adults continue to lie to children in the name of good feelings and magical innocent good will. The Easter bunny, the Tooth fairy, Santa Claus, and so on. Wouldnt it be better if we realized that at some point we need to tell them that all of these things are merely the imbodiment of good will? Sorry...just some thoughts.