Do You Believe in Santa?

I was standing at the doorway greeting the arrival of my home room grade 3 class.  As they passed on their way to hang their coats in the closet at the back of the room, a small group was deep in conversation:

"I don't believe in Santa Claus."

"Yea, me too."

 As they proceeded toward their desks, nods of agreement shared among some, and others with quizzical expressions, I edged closer to overhear and be ready to intervene if necessary.   As I nonchalantly approached, the conversation continued:

"Like, how could that ever happen?  The whole world in one night?"  Gestures of accordance from the group.

Then a small voice, "I believe in the Easter Bunny."

"Oh, oh.  Here it comes," I thought.  Inching closer, I prepared for my intervention.

"Well, yea.  I believe in the Easter Bunny, too.  But not Santa."

"I believe in Santa and the Easter Bunny but not the Tooth Fairy." 

And around they went - each recounting what they did and didn't believe - and that was it.  Conversation done.  No taunts, teases or ridiculing.  Just statements of fact and then they were off onto another topic. 

So, who topped the list of believers in that grade 3 group?  Hands down, the bearer of chocolate eggs.