I thought he was lame when I was a child, too.

And my opinion is perfectly relevant since I'm a father, and I've made a decision regarding Santa based entirely on my opinion. My opinion directly influences seven children, which in turn will influence their children. I cannot think of a person's opinion that is more relevant than mine.

How would you know? You never got to believe in Santa, right? That's like someone who got their foreskin cut off as a baby claiming that their dick doesn't have any less sensation.

So you'll lie to your kids about the existence of God, but not about Santa?

As far as I remember my dad got away with it once or twice before my mum spilled the beans.
Also hooray for foreskins.

I was waiting for that.

You're welcome.

It is a messed up pretense.

My parents did Santa when I was younger, and I know there was nothing more magical than "believing" (although I figured it out when I was really young). When I was older, Dad explained to me that "Santa" wasn't exactly a lie--he represents the "Christmas spirit" or altruism or whatever you want to call it. He and Mom were merely acting as agents of the spirit within us all. It's kinda like God as "an old man in the sky" vs. God as "something within all of us" (thanks, Lennon).

My parents' approach might have been a leetle bit different from most, however.

On another note, this Christmas is going to be really rough for my dad, because it's the first year neither of his parents has been around to celebrate it with. I'm probably going to ask my mom if my brother and I can spend Christmas with him because of that, even though we did last year as well. Might be an awkward conversation, but I'm sure she'll understand.

Did they give you dried fruit if you were nice and beat you with a switch if you were naughty?

As a Dad myself, I have to say absolutely do this. I know I'd be very appreciative of the effort. When my daughter makes the effort to spend time with me, I cherish that more than anything in the world. Take care of family first.