Perfect God substitute for young children who have trouble with abstract religious concepts. This is probably where most kids first internalize theological ideas about God. He watches you all the time, so you'd better be good. If you're good, he'll reward you with presents. If you're bad, he'll punish you with lumps of coal (or nothing at all). He has magical powers that enable him to defy time and space. You offer up a sacrifice to Him in the form of a plate of cookies and a glass of milk. He comes from the sky, is very old, and has a long white beard. He has his own priests in department stores across the country who claim to speak for Him. Also, you're expected to believe in Him despite the fact that no one has ever seen the man. I give Santa two stars because it's a beautiful myth which is kind of effective at extorting good behavior from children. But that's all.
