As a kid, I can still remember my parents and grandparents yelling out the phrase, “If you don’t behave Santa won’t bring you any presents on Christmas.” Is this a good way to teach our children to make good choices? Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing inherently wrong or sinful about watching or reading the heart-warming stories about Santa Claus, his magical elves, or flying reindeer. In fact, these stories which have developed into a fun and fantastical mythology have their origin in the real generosity of a third-century Christian man named Saint Nicholas of Myra. The story of Santa can be very entertaining and even promote good moral decision-making, but there are several problems that arise when we present the fairytale of Santa Claus as factual and then use that story as a means to disciple children.