For many people, when you were a little kid you learned of Santa Claus.  Santa is this dude who can do crazy things like drive a sleigh with flying reindeer, deliver toys to every kid on the planet in one night, and slide down chimneys.  He lives with a bunch of elves up in the North Pole, manufacturing toys all year in preparation for Christmas Day.  You have no idea what Santa’s motivation is, where he gets his funding, and why he does all of this, except that he gets a bunch of cookies and treats.   You are told that this dude keeps a list of which kids are good, and which kids aren’t.  If you are good Santa will bring you presents and other goodies.  If you screw up Santa will put a lump of coal in your stocking.

So basically, the Santa Claus myth is just an imaginary story about a guy you never see who lives somewhere you can’t go.  This myth helps keep kids in line with promises of rewards for good behavior, and penalties for bad.

Is it just me, or does this sound a lot like religion?