Because Nicholas of Myra is a real champion of the early Church and not only fought against Arianism, but actually hit Arius personally.
The story of his generosity and the subsequent legends that grew up surrounding Saint Nicholas teach children important lessons about being good, about having someone watch out for them, and about the magic of anticipation.
Anticipation in particular is a lesson sorely missing from out instant gratification society.
A child without fantasy and legend to get giddy about; without imagination and unbridled realms that their mind can run in, grow up to be very dour and serious, to the point of silliness, adults.
Paul said, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought as a child, I reasoned like a child.”
He didn’t condemn childishness in children.
“Don’t you send them there so the won’t believe stuff like this?”
No.
I think I know where your coming from. I don’t suspect that we are going to agree on very much on this line of questioning.