The reason why atheists need to speak out is because if they even casually mention their views as a joke in the middle of a softball interview, people like you will write essays wondering about why they don't just keep their atheist mouths shut while moments later putting out gems like this:

"I think my problem with atheists is the same problem they have with religion. Believe or don’t believe what you want to believe of not believe, but don’t impose it on everyone else. "

Think about it, in your attempt to talk about how you don't like views being imposed on people, your example + that let to this essay is that a celebrity talked about something multiple times in the span of several weeks. That's it. If you were against that kind of imposition this essay woudn't exist. And by telling people to "believe what they want to believe" but that they can't actually act on their beliefs(proselytization, or imposing, is a normal part of many Christian sects, let alone all of the other beliefs that rely on instituting some sort of social change that requires challenging conflicting viewpoints instead of existing in some protective bubble), you are actually telling them they cannot follow their beliefs. It is a blatant attempt to restrict people's behavior, and if that is the case, you need to drop the pretense of being against imposition and start telling people how you'd like them to act. Because you're doing it anyways.

As for your kid's belief in the fat red suit wearing magician, there's a reason why you won't be letting them continue to believe that fellow is real when they're an adult. But I'm sure that if they did believe in Santa as an adult people would be as accepting of it as a Christian's belief in god and they wouldn't face any kind of ridicule.