I can't contribute more here than what has already been shared. I can only speak from experience that all family members should be on the same page with regard to how to approach the subject. my Ex and I agreed before the split that we should allow for the questions as they arrive and speak the conclusive truth, bearing in mind that he shouldn't feel strange about his choice to participate or not participate in "observance" of the religion based activities that he would inevitably be exposed to....and then the inlaws put "the fear of god" in him, (ie: the concept of heaven and hell, and where we all "go" upon death.) So the therapy continues......

I would usually start with, "What do you think?" Sometimes they want to cling to an idea; sometimes they want the cold hard truth. If they answer, "I think the Easter Bunny is fun." I would say, "Sure is...do you want to color some eggs/" If they say, "I think the Easter Bunny is fake," I would ask why, and we would discuss it at their level. I would let my children lead this discussion.

My wife and I disagree a little regarding this subject. we do Santa, the easter bunny I guess because we want them to not feel excluded. its fun, like Halloween. i don‘t feel it‘s a big deal either way. Religion is different. She would like to steer them away from any form of it. I feel they need to make up their own minds. I will always be honest about how I feel with them. pushing. them in any direction feels counter productive to me. Curiousity and an open mind is my stance. I believe religion was created by man for controlling mankind. that should not detract from the really big questions of who we are, reality, consciousness, etc. I have some pretty religious friends who believe we are in danger. Other very religious friends are very open minded, which baffles yet gives me hope we can all get along.

I did Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, etc but as soon as he asked if Santa was real I told him the truth....about all three. Got it over with.

I did Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, etc but as soon as he asked if Santa was real I told him the truth....about all three. Got it over with.

Well keep him away from believer they will try to brainwashing him asap.
The reason why the church want children before they get educated by the school system it to poision his mind first.
Now you can talk to him about religion he will ask question but if you do it right religion is very unlikely . unless someone get to him before you do.
So get ready

I told my kids my beliefs and what most believed. They made up their own minds.

I found with my children, which I raised completely free of religion, that just teaching them the golden rule, to be kind to animals and each other was enough. They didn't have many questions about religion but when they asked I told them there were many beliefs in the world and that as they grew older they could research and join (or not) any belief system they chose. My daughter became Jewish in her 30's, my son is an agnostic. At least it was their free will and not indoctrination. BTW I was not raised Jewish, my parents were Anglican.

Tell him the truth, always.
If you lie to him, he might buy it for now, but they always grow up.
No one likes finding out they've been lied to. Especially by the people
they've always counted on to tell them the truth.

The truth is always the best answer. Tell him there is no conclusive evidence to support the claims of the the church, and that he should find the answers for himself.

Tell him the truth.

Re "ect": Electrically induced seizures in patients may provide relief from mental disorders.

The truth.

God - Zeus (all powerful, interacts with humanity). You knew that one.

Easter/Resurrection - Ishtar the Egyptian goddess of Spring. Annnnnnd for the $64,000 question.... what was her symbolic animal? A rabbit! THAT’S why there are ISHTAR egg hunts...

Halloween - still pretty old school. I guess you gotta give the losing team one?

Christmas - holy shit. This one’s a doozie. The christmas holiday celebrated today was brought about by a marketing firm or large department store (Macy’s?) in the mid 1800s; at that time there was a larger than ever influx of new people, economies were starting to thrive, and there was money to be made. So, the folks at -insert company name- (that’s kinda irking me, I remember the name, it’s on the tip of my tongue) three together a bit of this and a bit of that under the good ol’ proven banner of jeebus and HAZAA! Christmas....

Christmas has fascinating roots that shed light on the whys of many of today’s odd customs....

Teach him to be a skeptic. Question everything. Tell him what you think. Ask him what he thinks.

Take him to a magic show. Explain it is not real magic. When he asks, explain it is just the same thing.

Tell him how you see it and that it's only your opinion. Let him make up his own mind, don't force it on him or you may regret it.

Tell him the truth...it's just like the fairy tales

Tell him your thoughts on it but don't tell him what to believe.

I went with "some people believe... And it's rude to laugh". Covered the fact that religious beliefs existed, that they are bollix, and not to express that too openly quite neatly.

Tell the truth, be age appropriate and keep it short and kind. It is never a good policy to lie to a child, it will usually come back and bite you.

Say, What do you think?