I keep hearing that kids grow up faster these days. 

That their iPhones, drones and VR Headsets have helped to eliminate the imagination of their youth. Well, if that’s true, then why do so many of them believe in Santa Claus? 

Because their parents do. 

An AP-GfK holiday survey found that 84 percent of grown-ups were children who trusted in Santa’s magic. Their own childhood fantasies were safely wrapped up like a security blanket with the belief that wishes on a list for old St. Nick can come true. And without the need for a wireless connection or a USB port. 

As kids, the parents trusted enough to believe. 

As adults, they seem wise enough to know there’s nothing wrong with wanting to cling to the spirit that surrounds Santa. 

“Children's belief in Santa starts when they're between 3 and 4 years old,” explained Thalia Goldstein, assistant professor of applied developmental psychology at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, in a CNN report. “It's very strong when they're between about 4 and 8. Then, at 8 years old is when we start to see the drop-off in belief, when children start to understand the reality of Santa Claus." 

Young adults consumed with jobs, family and the economy may dismiss the notion of Santa. But as we get a bit older and start to take on some of the visual characteristics of St. Nick, we see nothing wrong with reaching for a lifeline. Maybe it’s the stress of the holidays. The pressure to get the perfect gift. Finding the time to buy it. Wishing you had the money to afford it. 

Working so hard to please so many. Shopping. Cooking. Cleaning. Shopping. Decorating. Traveling. Shopping. Wrapping. 

Did I mention shopping? 

We stretch our budgets and our patience to create the perfect Christmas. But we can’t do it all. 

No one can do it all. 

Except we tell our kids there’s one guy who does it all. And all in one night. White beard. Red suit. Works with elves. Flies with reindeer. Knows who’s naughty or nice. 

Not the mall guy. The jolly one at the North Pole. 

As adults, we make sure Santa survives. Despite the scoffers and the Scrooges and the skeptics, we keep the spirit of the chubby guy in a flying sleigh safe for our children. And secure in our own hearts. 

The AP-GfK poll found that two-thirds of parents with kids younger than 18 say Santa’s an important part of their celebrations. Moms — not surprising considering they take the brunt of the holiday stress — have the warmest feelings for Santa, with 71 percent of them saying he’s important. 

That’s up from 58 percent just six years ago. 

I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the tougher times are, the more we gravitate to Santa. Not so much to the gift-giving Kris Kringle, but the twinkle-in-his-eye Kris Kringle who doesn’t just lift a bundle of toys but our spirits. 

That transcends religions. 

In this multi-ethnic America, Santa isn’t just for Christians anymore. Three-fourths of non-Christian adults say they believed in Santa when they were children. And half feel he’s important to whatever holiday they celebrate. Take it from this Jew from Brooklyn - who as a kid didn’t have a tree to put presents under, stockings to put gifts in or a fireplace for Santa to climb down. 

As a child and adult, I’ve needed the magic of Santa. Not for what he brings. You see, Santa is a frame of mind. He represents giving, sharing, happiness, family and the youthful fun and creativity that lie too dormant the rest of the year. 

Kids may be growing up more quickly, but they’ll eventually find out that you never really want to outgrow the need for Santa Claus. 

Merry Christmas to all.  

Barry Lewis is a longtime journalist and author who lives with his wife Bonnie in the Town of Neversink. He can be reached at      barrylewisscdemocrat@gmail.com.