Well in our family...It is Christmas, a time for giving gifts to those we love. Santa may bring gifts, too, but it is a time for us to show we love our family and friends as well. Gifts don't always have to be bought. Sometimes we make them gifts, like a box of cookies or a special craft (like a t-shirt with a picture of our kids on it). But it is a time for us to live in the spirit of our lord and give to others.
In our family, we also try to share that spirit with others who aren't as blessed as we are. We buy a toy or more for toys for tots. If we know of a family (through the church or one of the organzations I volunteer at) that is in need, we adopt a child and buy that child gifts. We donate food to the food bank or local church. We do other activities that come up through organizations we are involved in.
My daughter just turned 9. She is on the verge of not believing. All of my kids know that Santa brings some of their gifts but some of them are from Mommy and Daddy as well. My daughter asked this year and I told her that most of her gifts come from Mommy and Daddy. She believes that a few special ones come from Santa. But I told her Santa has so many people to deliver to, that he relies on the help of Mommy's and Daddy's to get everything done. Some Mommies and Daddies don't have enough to get their children presents and that is why we help out with Toys for Tots and other organizations. This way we are helping Santa to finish his work.
Anyhow, this is what works for us. BTW, they know that the Santa's at the mall are really Santa's helpers. They go around to listen to the children's requests and share them with Santa so that he can find out what all of the children want. But sometimes, it is the real Santa sitting there. You just never know for sure which one you are getting. ;)
Anyhow, hope this helps.