Since it's Christmastime and all, I've been thinking a lot about Santa Claus. I'm sure he was first invented by people trying to emphasize the tradition of giving on Christmas, which goes back to the magi presenting the gifts before the Christ Child. Now-a-days we know good ole St Nic not so much in the form of "giving" per se but we know more of a Capitalist Santa Claus encouraging the spirit of consumerism. Yet, is this really why we've retained the jolly fellow? I personally think that this mystical figure continues to be the identifying factor of Christmas—not so much because of consumerism—because parents use him as a tool to make their children behave.

You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why:

Santa Claus is coming to town!

He's making a list,
He's checking it twice,
He's gonna find out
who's naughty or nice.

See! You better behave kiddies or else the omniscient Santa will gyp you off on Christmas morning!