I think it is wrong. The claim that "it is for the children" is just bullshit nonsense. Kids like gifts, no matter who is giving them. And telling them it is parents leads them to understand that is why Johnny down the street got more expensive presents, since Johnny's parents are relatively rich. If they believe it is Santa, then they will be apt to believe that Santa does not love them as much as Johnny.
Also, although some children don't seem to mind too much when they learn the truth, others are devastated. I remember this well from my childhood. I was not lied to about Santa, so I knew from a very early age that it was a lot of nonsense. But I noticed in kindergarten when some of my classmates found out the truth, they were very upset. And they had a right to be upset. The people who they depended on demonstrated that they are liars and not to be trusted.
Also, although some children don't seem to mind too much when they learn the truth, others are devastated. I remember this well from my childhood. I was not lied to about Santa, so I knew from a very early age that it was a lot of nonsense. But I noticed in kindergarten when some of my classmates found out the truth, they were very upset. And they had a right to be upset. The people who they depended on demonstrated that they are liars and not to be trusted.
"A wise man ... proportions his belief to the evidence."
— David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Section X, Part I.
