The Santa myth: harmless fun, or a myth that harms?

[Anonymous]

Santa myth is fun for kids and creates teachable moments around history and religion.

Santa myth is derived from New York honoring its Dutch roots at Christmas by celebrating Sinterklaas (original Dutch and Belgian version of modern Santa based on 4th century Greek Bishop Saint Nicholas of Myra). NY was formerly New Amsterdam until Dutch colonialists traded that city with colonial Britain for Surinam as they wanted a trade presence in the Caribbean.

More on the history of Santa
https://www.artandobject.com/slideshows/santa-claus-through-history-tracing-evolution-beloved-icon#:~:text=Now%20firmly%20his%20own%20mythological,for%20his%20generosity%20and%20kindness.,

In my experience, the Dutch Sinterklaas version is much less commercial than the current modern version Of Santa. the Dutch five smaller gifts and wrap modest gifts in many layers of wrapping with funny poems about the recipient in the layers - So the emphasis is on the highly personalized experience of giving and not on splashy gifts.