"Santa is our culture's only mythic figure truly believed in by a large percentage of the population. It's a fact that most of the true believers are under eight years old, and that's a pity"

This quote by Chris Van Allsburg speaks with the power of Santa Claus as a cultural figure. In spite of the truth that Santa is a mythical figure, a big percentage of the population still thinks in him. Unfortunately, the majority of these true believers are kids under the age of eight. This is a pity because it speaks with the power of childhood innocence and the capability to think in something that is not real. It likewise speaks to the power of culture and how it can form our beliefs and values. Santa is a sign of hope and joy, and it is a shame that only kids are able to truly believe in him.