People have some strange ideas, but luckily we have Terry Pratchett to put them into perspective. So, here I was, only yesterday, saying we don’t need to believe in Father Christmas. And now, well, Terry seems to be saying we should believe. Not because it’s true, but because believing is good for us.
Death standing in for Discworld’s Hogfather isn’t as odd or ominous as it might first appear. They are close(ish) colleagues, and one does what one can to help out in an emergency. I was about to say that Death might give better presents, but I don’t actually know what Hogfather would have given under similar circumstances.
When faced with the big man himself, even the police are children first, and hardened professionals second. Very sweet.
(Yes I know they aren’t called policemen. But it sounds more serious this way.)
As for the criminals; many of them are perhaps only pursuing this misguided career because they were once scared little boys, and if a wardrobe seems threatening, you can’t help feeling afraid.
I’m not sure we know exactly what’s happened to Hogfather, but Death delivers in his place. Death’s granddaughter does her bit, and those clever wizards at the University play around with a sort of computer. Trust Terry Pratchett to have spot-on thoughts about computers so long ago (well, I feel fifteen years is a long time in the world of computing), and for those thoughts to be still valid today.
I would like to believe, but it might be too late for a hardened witch. Although, if I could sit on someone’s lap and have all my unspoken wishes come true…
Just remembered. I did dabble in the Tooth Fairy business some years ago, but am confident Offspring knew it was really me.
The Occasional Bookwitch 
Great post, but I could never really “get into” Pratchett. I consider myself a somewhat avid reader and I did, like a true fan, start at the absolute beginning of the Discworld novels and pulled myself through them, but I can’t say I enjoyed them. Perhaps, as my brother says, I do lack the imagination to truly enjoy them. Each to their own. Have you read any Robert Rankin? He’s another brilliant author!