I've shared that Santa was a real person who gave toys to poor people a long time ago. I'm mostly certain this is the truth. But it backfired on me last Christ

I've shared that Santa was a real person who gave toys to poor people a long time ago. I'm mostly certain this is the truth. But it backfired on me last Christmas when one of my children asked me point blank if Santa was real. I was in a hurry and just said "Yes, but he is dead" and then walked off.