I think I like images of Santa for the same reasons I like Darumas. Both images are of mythic figures who combine both joy and sacrifice. The Daruma grants wishes and so does Santa. The Daruma and Santa are examples of folklore simplifying and humanizing religious figures.

Isn't this a picture of a true believer. That's me on the left.

I know some people think Santa a dangerous figure. Or that he's become too commercialized. But I love the symbol of Santa Claus and have collected hundreds of Santa figures.