...err but why is it a bad thing? Just because it is not the holiday it was millenia ago, or because it isn't what your educated self feels it should be, doesn't mean there's anything wrong with it. You bottom line is that is has become a holiday about giving gifts... wow. What a selfless, soulless time of year. Why do people focus on the money changing hands when buying presents and not the joy they end up bringing to people? And as for modern myths like Santa, again, what is the harm? A lot of 'myths,' philosphical mantra and otherwise is just to add some colour to an otherwise mundane and meaningless existence. Having the intelligence to realise this is one thing, but lacking the maturity to understand why they are there is pretty sad. Does it make you a big man for shoving kids headfirst into the bleak realities of the world, just because there is no mystery left for you? Basically your whole preachy negative stance spanks of 'I am so enlightened that I can see through petty social constructions and will therefore reject them.' Well done genius- you've missed the point entirely.