This is a really good explanation for those who lie to their children about "Santa Claus":

 

 

 

Our modern Santa Claus, a crude, ridiculous figure, can be traced back to that gentle

lover of children--St. Nicholas. This Saint's feast is celebrated on December 6, and

parents and friends gave children presents on that day. The Dutch settlers in New

York brought this custom with them to the New World, and the giving of presents on

December 6 and on Christmas Day became somewhat confused. St. Nicholas was contracted into "Santa Claus" and, with the increasing pagan idea of the Yuletide, became therollicking, bewhiskered figure so alien to the true Christmas spirit.

Let our children look to the Christ Child for their Christmas presents. There is no

need of deception here, and of shattering childish faith. The Christ Child exists; He

loves the little ones and He wishes them to love Him. We have no use in a Catholic

home for the fraudulent Santa Claus and the pagan Christmas he now symbolizes. Let

the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ be for young and old a day of

spiritual joy and of close union with the Saviour whom we love.

(From the book "Could You Explain Catholic Practices?" by Rev. Charles J. Mullaly,

S.J. - 1937)