Sadly, Santa, like Clowns, falls into the category of 'Things that adults think children like which actually terrify children.'
Mimes are in a similar category, except for 'theatre majors' and 'adults.'
But I digress. I've done my share of lap-sitting. It is a good lesson in doing what you don't want to get what you want, thus preparing US children to the eventual work-until-you-die life they will face as adults.
Sitting Santa's lap as preparation for the rat race! Surely this is a new and much needed analysis.
You mean everybody doesn't sit on their boss's lap for their annual review?