Santa fan Paris Hilton

Dec 23, 2009, 6:01 GMT

Paris Hilton believed in Santa Claus until she was 16.

The socialite thought the festive character was real until she was in her mid-teens and still makes her mother Kathy Hilton put out a stocking full of presents on Christmas Day (25.12.09) so she can pretend he has paid her a visit.

She said: "We usually open our presents first thing in the morning. I'm like a kid at this time of year and I just can't wait. I literally believed in Santa Claus until I was around 16! My mom still puts a stocking out for me so I can still pretend."

While she loves being spoilt with presents, the hotel heiress tries hard to ensure all her loved ones enjoy the day.

Paris, 28, even invites friends to join her and her family - Kathy, dad Richard, sister Nicky and brothers Conrad and Barron - for the day if they have nowhere else to go.

She explained: "I just love Christmas. It's a great excuse to go all out.

"I always spend the day with my family. This year we're doing it at home, which is really exciting. My mom will cook an amazing meal and we'll eat lots and just spend time together. Later on in the day I'll invite some of my friends, whose parents have passed away or who don't have family in town, to come over. I hate to think of anyone being on their own on Christmas Day."