Why I like Santa Claus....
Christmas for me these days is a time for reflection; to overcome the latest existential crisis brought on by the weakening sun and to be re-energized once again. I think I've decided this year to start supporting the Santa Claus myth.. Here's what I'm thinking:
Evolutionary biologists argue that our capacity for faith develops among young children as an efficient way of transmitting vital cultural information: parent says:"Johnny don't play in the traffic" or long ago "Johnny don't eat those berries" or even earlier "Johnny don't play with that bear".... If Johnny obediently accepts this he is more likely to contribute to the gene pool of the next generation. If he doesn't accept this advice on face value his genes are not likely to make it to the next generation. Evolution favours children who listen to their parents.
Religion perverts this innate childish capacity by attempting to extend it to adults. Unlike the Jesus, Yahweh, or Mohammad myths, the Santa myth disappears when the child reaches the age of reason and unlike the former three, one is not threatened with consequences when one drops it.