Power Over Their Little Minds

My latest column is now online. Check it out; the introduction:

Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during the holiday season, but Christmastime has become more than just a Christian holiday. I know many atheists and agnostics that observe Christmas and the "spirit of giving". I think that's wonderful. Giving to the less fortunate is good for society and good for the soul. I do not lament the fact that in some quarters Christ is "missing" in Christmas. Technically, Christ wasn't even born in early winter, but in springtime. That aside, what I wanted to examine this week is our propensity as parents, especially religious parents, though by no means are we alone, to use God or Santa Claus, to manipulate and gain power over the minds of our children.