An Inquiry, RE: Santa Claus
 

In a world in which Santa Claus existed, wouldn't it be the parents who have no trouble believing, whereas the children might need some convincing?

If you're a parent and you A: bought the majority of gifts for your kids, and B: received the others (in the mail? in person?) and already set them under the tree, then wouldn't the sudden appearance of a bunch of presents (and possibly some coal) labelled "FROM SANTA" on Christmas Morning mean either that the jolly fat man arrived, or you've got anti-burglars in the neighborhood?* Thus, in a world with a real Santa Claus, any adult with half a brain would believe in him. Now, the children? They might take some convincing. Maybe.

Also, another question: going by 90% of made-for-tv Christmas movies, Santa must get married or find an heir or whateverbefore a specific time on Christmas Eve, or THERE WILL BE NO CHRISTMAS. How exactly does the lack of his presents mean that there will be no A: generosity, B: love, C: peace and goodwill, or D: religious celebrations on December 25th? Do Christmas trees all suddenly catch fire? What happens to the gifts that parents actually bought for their children? And can't we have at least one Christmas movie where all the adults are on speaking terms with Santa, and it's the kids who need convincing?






*Anti-Burglaring has yet to catch on with the public at large. In places where it has, there have been reports of such atrocities as people waking up to find a new car in their garage, or that breakfast has already been cooked.

My favorite movie, The Christmas That Almost Wasn't, has the premise that if Santa can't pay his rent by midnight on Christmas Eve, he'll be evicted and THERE WILL BE NO CHRISTMAS. In the case of that particular movie, that just makes it all the more absurd and therefore awesome. Not all movies have that excuse though. 8D

Interesting ponderings. ;)

The idea of anti-burglary reminds me of a book, don't remember what it's called right now, something about a cave. But it's about some kids who secretly do nice things for the other folks in their town by fixing things, buying things that someone really needs, building things, all in the dark of night. And the next morning, Surprise! :smed: Their headquarters is a secret cave, and they pass their secret on to other kids as they get older or move away so the good deeds can be carried on. A very nice story. :)

I was ripping off the "whitemailing" joke from one of Terry PRatchett's books:P