“Santa Claus came last night and left some gifties under the tree!’
“Mom, how does Santa Claus get through the plate glass that covers the front of the fireplace?”
“Well, he drinks a magic potion that allows him to slip right through it.”
“Okay, but then why has nobody ever shot him, thinking that he was a burgular?”
“Santa Claus is surrounded by a magic aura of happiness and good feelings, and he sprinkles magic dust on your brain that makes you feel good things and not be scared.”
“So Santa Claus poisons you in your sleep? Sounds nice. But really, why has nobody pumped him full of shotgun rounds the second he drops into their fireplace?”
“He has a special suit made by the NRA to protect him; it’s one of a kind and very valuable.”
“We need to work on this story before you have grandchildren.”
***
I hope you have a wonderful holiday. Merry Christmas!
The Christmas following just a month after my seventh birthday, I asked Santa for a picture of himself. He, much as I expected, was unable to produce one. I’d had my suspicions for quite a while beforehand, but that clinched it.
-Rick