Jeremy wrote:
] It appears that Santa's image as a sacred icon of American
] popular culture and childhood lore is a bit shopworn.
]
] One reason, say those who have observed the changing role of
] Santa in the culture, is that children, exposed to an
] overwhelming array of consumer goods and products, know at
] increasingly young ages that presents come not from the North
] Pole but from the mall or the FedEx guy.
]
] Nor do many of them view shopping and the receiving of
] gifts as a rare experience, or as a reward, but as a
] ritual practiced almost daily.
]
]
] Child, to Mom: "Toy shopping? Again? Do I have to?"

Considering that Santa is pretty much a marketing tool for Coca Cola, and Christmas has absolutely nothing to do with the birth of Christ, I'd say 'what's taken so long?'