Holiday message: Atheists dub Jesus a 'myth' on Times Square billboard

[GiaGiovanni]

287. The precursors to the corporate Santa did not require parents to buy tons of gifts in his name

The precursors were Sinterflaas, Father Christmas, and other related old male figures (often representing winter or the old passing year). In towns and villages, an older male might dress up as Father Christmas (or similar character) and give out pieces of fruit or a few candies.

The modern corporate Santa is a creation of American marketing (see Coca Cola, Santa, image) and exists for the sheer purpose of parting parents from their hard-earned (or borrowed) money. Santa Claus is what keeps kids asking for many expensive gifts (based on commercials they see). Since the gifts are "on Santa's dime" the kids can indulge their greed. Parents then must go and buy at least some of these items, often on credit cards, to preserve the illusion of Santa Claus. In hard times, parents are hard pressed to explain to their children why Santa gave so little to them but brought expensive electronics to their friends.

I am all for ending the myth of Santa Claus. It supports corporate profits and undermines real values.