Is Santa Claus a God?

I kind of like to think of Santa as a "god training wheels" for kids. First, the concept introduces them to the idea of modifying their behavior for a delayed reward. Secondly, they can practice in a belief system with the freedom of making mistakes, without offending / blasphemy against a real deity (because that would be bad). Once they get beyond this simplified system, they can move on to interacting with a real deity.

The offering part applies only to some regions. For example in Finland Santa comes after dinner, distributes the presents from a sack and leaves (with older children the santa is commonly skipped and the presents apparate at an opportune moment - "left by elves").

The more interesting question, IMO, is what happened to the goat headed sidekick that accompanied Santa in various regions.

The Hogfather certainly is, and that's good enough for me.

No he is not. Because he is not capricious. He doesn't force us to spread his word and he doesn't send those who don't believe in him to eternal flames.

He's not a god, but he is a real creeper.

Watch the face of a little one opening presents on Christmas morning, and the question obviates itself.

Santa, when someone asks if you're a god, you say YES!