Christians - How do we stop children ociating Santa with God?

Easy. Teach them so. We need to teach them not to ociate them when they are at the age when these studies have shown that they will do this. However, a good lesson on the history of Santa Claus and his religious significance will help the child realize that Santa is not God or Jesus, and knowing that they will go into their adolescence and adulthood unhindered by the weight of knowledge that Santa isn't real.