Christmas and the passage of time always results in addressing “The Santa Claus Question”. In the best traditions of the internet I must now warn people CAUTION SPOILER ALERT!!!!! The following post contains essential elements that will unravel or expose crucial plot elements.
When presented with a question, you can answer it flippantly, sincerely, with a British accent or any combination thereof. When a child asks you something, there is always the temptation to tell them not to bother you when you're drinking. But say you don't drink, then you're forced to address life in its sober reality.
So out of the chilly pre-winter air comes the "is Santa Claus real?" conversation. Keep in mind this comes on the heels of the “nine-year-olds don't need a cell phone” discussion... So at least I was ready dealing with high-level conspiracies. (High-level conspiracies are what keeps technology out of the hands of pre-teenagers)
Mercifully the question was presented using the Jeopardy standard versus Family Feud form. So here's the answer, file it away and feel free to invoke or edit as needed.
Santa Claus is real, the idea is in our hearts and our minds. Santa Claus is something more felt than known. The original Santa Claus was from Europe. It was a guy named Chris Kringle who put treats and toys in poor children's stockings; so they would have something on Christmas. His good work was so admired, and so well respected that the tradition is carried on to this very day.
When you reach the age that you question if Santa Claus is a real person, it means you are ready to stop believing in him and start being him. It is one of the great joys of the holiday season to recognize that you have the power to bring Christmas miracles to the people in your life and total strangers. When you become Santa Claus you carry the spirit of giving and the promise of miracles in your smile, good cheer and spirit.
The special obligation that you have when you become one of the millions of Santa Clauses on our planet, is to make sure that you give to the people that believe and allow them to to feel the magic of the season. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus. God came onto the earth in human form as a poor man. Showing that there is no shame in having nothing. God proved that the nature of humanity is to give. The star of Bethlehem brought the three wise men and their posse to the manger. There was no formal tradition of giving, only the expression of God's love. This time of year, each of us should focus on reflecting that special love to the people that need it most.
So let me ask you, is it better to wait for Santa Claus or to believe in the idea of Santa Claus so much that you can be him?
The good news is the message was well-received. There is no wailing, moaning, or mashing of teeth. Only time will tell if inordinate psychological damage was inflicted on the poor kid. Taking on the responsibility for bringing peace on earth and good will towards man is not easy, and maybe she'll only be able to bring joy to one or two people… Could there be any better way to celebrate?
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