First the Santa Claus lie.

I really hate lying to kids about Santa Claus. I hate going along with it. My problems with it are multiple. It is blending fantasy and reality for kids. Giving them unrealistic expectations and having them believe ridiculous things. It's a straight up lie as well. I know even paedosexuals may disagree with me on this.

I do.

It is right to celebrate, rather than sit in terror of, the day the raiders just wanted to bounce little children on their lap and send them home with presents and a sense of wonder and enchantment, rather than slaughtering everyone like most winters...

It is right to believe that there is something noble about following the reindeer through the ice and snow, snacking on little treats which descend from the smokehole and involve red with white trim while trying to figure out the mystery of where food comes from and what the best thing we can do is.

It is right to... refer to people who bounce small children on their lap in exchange for presents by reference zanata kila'auza. o, ha a'i i'o. ko, zai'ama. Though it dates back farther, by the end of the second period, it was cemented - i'oza me zawa'e tama; good things come to your children in pink and blue. Aum shanti.

In case you're wondering, the part I'm quibbling is the "it's a straight up lie" part - I have eaten funny mushrooms in the taiga while those around me build the sweathouse. I shall fail to comment on the "bouncing toddlers in my lap" part for now. It is a good life...

...but as silly, misguided adults go, your intentions are a lot more honest. In the meantime, children are a lot like african-americans were a few centuries ago : you should let them run off to the north pole.

...or the nearest thing that will pass for it wandering by...

:)

Much love,
jd