one who would refute that belief has a heavy burden of proof

I don't know if you're saying that's how it should be, but I certainly don't think so. Most people use Occam's Razor and only cut off the piece that they can swallow most easily. Why should the person who actually applies a critical eye to discover the truth be forced with the burden of proof just because the illogical answer is what's socially accepted?

This doesn't mean I'm taking sides in the 'Twas the Night Before Christmas indecision.