Santa Clause myth

I cannot fathom the insistence of parents to decieve their children about Santa Clause. Does this not in later life instil distrust of their parents when they find out Santa Clause is not ""real"" but only a invented figure. I am not suggesting no Santa at all but should be treated as other imaginary figures such as Mickey Mouse, Barbie and the Easter Bunny. ""Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus"" but he lives in the hearts of men (and children) and should not reach the status of a real magical human being.