I believe in Santa Claus. When you critically examine the whole narrative, what’s not to believe? Logic is logic and should dictate our beliefs, or lack thereof.
Let’s start with the big guy’s attire. We’re asked to accept the legitimacy of an elderly gentleman in a furry red size triple XL jacket and pants — complete with matching hat. It may be a bit flashy, but it makes sense. The fur, the boots, the cap — they keep Santa warm. Same goes for the snowy-white beard. Flashy, but practical. That’s our Santa in a nutshell.
Some folks reportedly have a difficult time with the whole flying reindeer thing. And Rudolph. Let’s not forget the flying reindeer with the glowing red nose. I find the concept completely acceptable. How else would Santa’s sleigh get airborne if it weren’t for the reindeer? They are a necessary part of the logic if this Christmas thing of ours is ever going to get off the ground.
As long as you believe in elves (and who doesn’t?) it’s a plausible leap to embrace the idea of them being the North Pole toy makers. Someone’s got to help Santa make all the toys. Why not elves? (The flying reindeer clearly aren’t capable — no opposable thumbs.)
The bag of presents — all wrapped — one for every child (the nice ones, at least). Now there’s a plot line that’s just too feel-good to be false. Fitting all those presents into one sleigh? Priceless.
Santa’s method for delivering the gifts may make a rational person ponder. Going down the chimney is conceivable. But shooting back up takes a bit of faith and willingness to abandon concepts like gravity. On the other hand, if you refuse to accept Santa going up and down the chimney, how do you explain the M & M’s commercials? If we acknowledge life-size M & M’s can be real, then it’s only fair to show our jolly old elf the same courtesy. It’s all in the name of Santa — and for a good Claus. Up the chimney he goes. I believe. Yes I do.
If we are being honest here (and Santa embodies the epitome of honesty) there are some realities to Santa’s situation the TV specials and shopping malls don’t reveal. Take his fur coat, especially the white cuffs. They certainly must be a little sooty by the end of the big night. Then again, we can only surmise that the elves or Mrs. Claus — or Santa himself — must be excellent at stain removal. Or maybe the penguins do the laundry. Wait, that’s the other North Pole.
As for Santa’s trademark jolly laughter, here’s a little known fact: Ho, ho, ho, originated nearly a century ago when Santa delivered presents to a gigantic green boy. Legend has it the extra large, extra jolly boy was so delighted with the gifts, he let out a belly laugh that sounded like “Ho, ho, ho.” (Either that or, “Eat your peas.”) Santa, being jolly himself, got caught up in the moment and laughed along with the giant. Someone caught six seconds of it on video, put it on Tik Tok and the iconic moment has been one of Santa’s trademarks ever since. Two million followers and counting.
It’s the season to believe. And I do. Santa, elves and flying reindeer — I embrace their story. It’s beyond the human imagination to make up such a tall tale. The whole thing is simply too outrageous not to be true. Almost as outrageous as the concept of an innocent baby who came to earth more than 2000 years ago to deliver his own gift to us all.
There’s another story I choose to believe.
— Jill Pertler’s column Slices of Life appears regularly in the Times. She can be reached at
slicescolumn@gmail.com.
