The character is a god. He flies through the air. He performs miracles (visiting all the good children on Earth on one night). He is omniscient (with respect to children’s activities). Some people even encourage their children to pray to him (Tell Santa what you want).
And what is his motive? I ask you.
I dunno....make kids happy.
I lost the multiple paragraph answer I had prepared. suffice it to say, I went to a Christian parochial school from K through 10th grade and we were able to separate the 2 things.
get a life.