Joseph Fuerst

You wrote:
Our son (at two and a half) is already starting to get, from total
strangers, the routine that goes, "Are you a good boy? Because Santa's
coming, you know. If you're good, he's going to bring you lots of toys."

I refuse to give anybody this power over him - or let them give us (his
parents) this power. When people ask whether he's a "good boy" (in Christmas
season or out), I say, "Yes, he's good. All children are good. There are no
bad children." This usually throws 'em for a loop.

I respond:
We believe in Santa in our home. And we do NOT espouse the "you get only if
you're 'good'" approach -they do not go hand in hand. We are more the into
the spirit of generosity and giving....and the joy of receiving gifts given
from affection for each other.
Susan