Christmas is going to be different this year. Oh, you haven't heard? Read on.

In respect for the non-believers who may be offended by his presence, this year Santa-san will not be seen in public areas. True believers can still visit Santa-san, but only virtually. Children have voiced their approval of this, saying they are more comfortable with virtual visits, rather than having Santa actually touch them. Download the Visit Santa App. with which children can SMS their wishes to Santa while collecting virtual chia pets for being good.

The move to virtual Santa has been a hit with parents in Japan, 90 percent of whom have said, according to a recent survey, they believe that Santa is basically a Bodhisattva. Many even believe he works in conjunction with Jizo — the god of children. Santa has long been rumored to be among the pantheon of 8 to 9 million gods worshipped in Japan. Start looking for stone statues of the jolly man in red. Maybe you can even procure one for your Japanese garden before Christmas. Get it now before the sales tax increases.