The attached story tells a tragic tale:) of the end of many of the men in red suits this year because of the recession.

Santa will not be attending many schools and community groups because they cant afford to hire actors.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24748735-1243,00.html

If we likewise click

http://www.av1611.org/othpubls/santa.html

we will see a good, solid christian aspect on the great "Santa deception".

Traditionally Christmas is to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour.
Christians all over the world go to church, where they can, and give Glory to their King for bringing them Salvation.

In recent decades, as society became obssessed with personal greed Big Business more and more shifted the focus from Christ over onto the little plump man in the red suit as their big promo of the year.
Now its difficult to find a Christian nativity or Christian references in any of the big shopping complexes.

Big Business has used the "santa vision" to draw society into parting with vast amounts of money in order to fill their Big Businesses pockets.
Little of that money ever filters down into charities... or the Christian churches who support needy people.
They used the "Santa deception" to seduce many parents into short-term poverty at this time of year; and to indoctrinate a new generation of children each year into the 'buying system'.

Is it true that today's depiction of Santa Claus in a bright red suit with snow white beard was an invention by Coca-Cola?

Good one, Gibo - particularly since I've been asked to be Santa again this year for the local pub Xmas fair. I really should have a haircut and beard trim, not to mention lose some weight...

However, I have to say that it's quite fun being an iconic "Christian" symbol for a day! The irony is delicious, and it's good fun giving presents out to the kiddies while they pretend they don't know who I am.

Steel Mann - the answer to your question is "No", fascinating urban myth though it is.

http://www.snopes.com/cokelore/santa.asp

aAAh CJ... so it's not only 'Christians' who have their myths :)

(CC Pericles.)

Now.. a thinking person would ask here.. "how many other secular myths are at work in deceiving people about the true nature of the Lord Jesus, and the Church" ?

Hmmmmmm....wanders off pondering....

Dear Gibo,

In our house - we follow tradition.

As I wrote in my thread of "Christmas Stories,"
The feast of Christmas is always preceded by
four weeks of Advent, a period of "fasting and
contemplation."

"Kucios," (Lithuanian), Christmas Eve, is the last
day of fasting, followed by sumptuous feasting.

No less than 12 dishes must be served at this special
Christmas Eve meal, beginning with the recitation of
Grace and the breaking of a special unleavened wafer,
called "Plotkele." This wafer, blessed by the parish
priest, is shared by all at the table, signifiying a
spirit of unity.

After the evening meal we then
attend Midnight Mass at our parish church.
It's a quiet, beautiful, and meaningful
way to end the night and celebrate the spirit
that Christmas is.

Christmas Day is the traditional lunch of turkey,
ham, et cetera, with friends and family. Shared
in the spirit of giving.

I usually cook for both events, Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day. As I have elderly parents.

Santa is a part of this traditional celebration, of
course, but only a part. There are so many pieces
that make up the kaleidoscope of Christmas for our
family - which is why its so special, and will remain
so, as all these traditions are being passed on to
our children.

CJ
Thanks I didn't know that. interesting.