Approximately 85 percent of 5-year-old children believe in Santa Claus. That's according to researcher Jacqueline Woolley, whose research was published in The Journal of Cognition and Development.

But that belief in the jolly old man in the red suit doesn't last long. While there's no specific age when kids stop believing, a 2011 Associated Press survey of 1,000 American adults showed the majority of those adults -- 18 percent -- reported they stopping believing at age 8; 12 percent at age 9 and 16 percent at age 10. The mean age when kids stopped believing was 8.8.

However, the magic of Santa doesn't necessarily have to end. Parents can help their children hold on during the Christmas season and beyond.

*Belief

Getting kids to believe in Santa Claus is easy. Children love stories and dreaming, and they're used to fantasy and play. Whether they're watching cartoons, reading about unicorns or playing make believe, children are experts at using their imaginations to unlock worlds of fun and learning. Parents can help kids harness those same play and storytelling skills to understand Santa's story of kindness and giving.

*Generous Spirit

Santa is the epitome of the Christmas season: He encourages selflessness and joyful gift-giving.

In an article for Psychology Today, registered nurse Lynne Reeves Griffin, who has a master's degree in education, writes: "I think there's a strong case for keeping a child's belief in Mr. Claus alive. Santa is more of an asset than a liability for parents who want to keep the focus of Christmas on teaching values. It's all in how you incorporate this celebrated gift-giver into your holiday rituals."

Griffin suggests parents share with their kids the amazing things Santa represents including joy -- savoring the delight of the season; generosity -- taking pleasure in giving gifts and not just receiving them; a sense of wonder -- pondering about Santa's journey around the world makes kids think critically; faith -- learning to trust in what you can't see; and hope -- a belief that good things will happen.

*Tips to Help Kids Transition

Breaking the news about Santa can be challenging, but when the time is right, parents need to help kids understand what it all means.

According to The Learning Community, a nonprofit free parenting resource, children often get the news about St. Nick from other kids at school. They recommend comforting a child who hears the sad news, as it can be quite disconcerting to find out. The child will get over it eventually, but initially the news can be shocking or upsetting.

TLC says with youngsters, you can often change the subject. But for older children, it's time to get more serious.

Griffin recommends only telling the truth if the child really wants to know. Don't rush. Just because kids ask questions, says Griffin, it doesn't mean they're ready. Stall to buy time.

Still, she does not advise lying to your child just to keep the myth going,

And try not to focus on Christmas gift lists. When you have the talk with your child, Griffin suggests discussing how he or she can be generous in spirit like Santa. It's also a good time to talk about the family's religious or spiritual beliefs and traditions.

Kids may ask why you and others lied to them about Santa Claus. There's no one answer for that question, but often parents explain how the idea of Kriss Kringle, the embodiment of Christmas joy and magic, is fun for both kids and adults. And it's not meant to be deceitful. Again, reiterate the message that every one can personify Santa's messages of being good, giving to others and sharing in wonder, faith, hope and joy.