Hilton: 'I believed in Santa until 16'

Paris Hilton has claimed that she thought Santa Claus was real until she was 16 years old.

The hotel heiress, who is dating Doug Reinhardt, said that she has always reverted to childhood at Christmastime and still asks her mother to put out a stocking for her.

Hilton told Bang Showbiz: "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 mum still puts a stocking out for me so I can still pretend.

"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 mum 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."