Because Nicholas of Myra is a real champion of the early Church and not only fought against Arianism, but actually hit Arius personally.
The story of his generosity and the subsequent legends that grew up surrounding Saint Nicholas teach children important lessons about being good, about having someone watch out for them, and about the magic of anticipation.
Anticipation in particular is a lesson sorely missing from out instant gratification society.
A child without fantasy and legend to get giddy about; without imagination and unbridled realms that their mind can run in, grow up to be very dour and serious, to the point of silliness, adults.
Paul said, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought as a child, I reasoned like a child.”
He didn’t condemn childishness in children.
You are so very, very right.
My kids are 11, 9 and 6--like most boys at those ages, they get "the squirms" at Mass, even though it's only an hour long--EXCEPT for the 3+ hour Easter Vigil. They love it!!! The tension, the excitement, all building toward the church being flooded with light...they could sit through six hours of that anticipation.