Dear Santa,
“Are you ready for Christmas yet?”
It is coming down to the crunch, but some people are still posing that question because it has become a sort of seasonal greeting. “Cold enough for you? Yes, we have already had enough snow. So, all set for Christmas?”
Of course, Santa, you are always ready for the Big Day, but for many mortals the query about Yuletide preparedness often elicits groans, and/or clutching of the heart. You would know something about time pressure and multi-tasking. So you would no doubt get a belly laugh from knowing that too many people work themselves into a tizzy and heart palpitations because they want to have The Best Christmas Ever.
What to get for the person who already has everything? Probably a lot more storage space.
Everybody approaches The Holidays in a different way, as you well know, Santa. The keeners are buying stuff all year-round, secreting away in a special cupboard purchases that, a few days before Christmas Eve, will be lovingly and carefully wrapped before being spritzed with a pinecone scent. The other extreme is the procrastinator who after rifling through closets in a desperate search for things that can be regifted, opts for the last resort – gift cards at the all-night convenience store.
But, St. Nick, isn’t it amazing how time flies?
Think of this: At this time last year, we were all looking forward to big tax breaks promised by our Prime Minister, who at that time was Justin Trudeau, who is now famous because he is going out with Katy Perry.
Since the North Pole is in Canada, you were among the millions of Canadians who received $250 Working Canadians Rebate payment. We could all use some extra cash again this year, because you and Mrs. Claus have no doubt noticed the spike in grocery bills lately.
You are Mr. Popularity now, jolly one. But you realize that your name could be mud unless you deliver on the gazillion wish lists that you have received.
You may have noticed that Seaway News has again volunteered to help handle some of the correspondence destined for you.
Letters to Santa. Such a lovely custom.
For more than 40 years, Canada Post postal elves have been busy helping Santa sort through over one million letters per year from around the world. ” We cannot guarantee delivery dates, but Santa does respond to all letters he receives,” says Canada Post.
The Christmas card tradition may be in trouble, partly because of the constant uncertainty surrounding the Post Office. Last year, the postal strike was a major pain.
This year, after sporadic work shortages, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) paused all strike activity in November. But Canada Post will inevitably be forced to reduce services, which will undoubtedly hit rural communities harder than it will urban centres, where affordable alternatives to the Post Office are available.
Judging from the letters we have received, you are expected to deliver a lot of Labubu toys to the nice kids this year. The popularity of these creepy things is, like most fads, difficult to explain. Remember Cabbage Patch dolls and Tickle Me Elmo?
Of course, Labubu fever has been fueled by celebrities on social media posts.
The tiny monsters come in boxes, so people aren’t sure which one they have bought until they open the container. It is almost a form of gambling, some Debbie Downers caution. Usually, shoppers know exactly what they are buying. But with Labubu they may end up with something they, or a beloved recipient, will loathe.
And yet, isn’t life, or a box of chocolates, also like that, Santa?
So somebody may be disappointed. Big deal. No need to slump off to the psychiatrist’s couch because a child got stuck with a dud. There are many unfortunate children who have nothing but a stick to play with.
Santa, you could do us all a big favour if you could just help everyone lighten up.
Some would suggest this missive to you is misguided, juvenile, even blasphemous, because belief in Santa distracts from the true meaning of Christmas.
However, we can have it all, right?
Believing in you, or the Tooth Fairy, or even fiscally responsible governments, is not traumatizing. Eventually everyone will grow up and face the truth.
At the same time, the faithful can continue to observe the season with their religious routines, honouring the birthday of a Saviour whose mother was a virgin and was visited by three wise men.
In this stressed-out world, where humans fear being replaced by artificial intelligence, we all have to believe in something, whether it is Jesus Christ, Santa Claus or Jedi Knights.
Sappy alert: You know that the most important things in life cannot be packaged or priced. If you have health and people who love you, like, what could be better than that?
The world keeps changing, and not all for the good.
And yet, everybody still loves you. Surveys persistently conclude that about 30 per cent of Canadian adults believe in you, St. Nick.
Kudos for resisting change or even a notion of refreshing your look. The wardrobe is definitely vintage and judging from your physique, you are not about to adopt any new health craze.
And amazingly, you never seem to be in a bad mood, maintaining that adorably avuncular demeanour throughout chilly parades, during long photo opportunities and endless meet-and-seat sessions.
What is also impressive is how important you are as an influencer. Since nobody wants to be on the naughty list, folks go out of their way to be extra generous at this time of year, joining the many year-round volunteers and donors who epitomize the spirit of this season every day.
So thanks for lifting people’s spirits and encouraging even the most Scroogy among us to do the right thing.
Have a good flight. Don’t worry: the chimney will be clean. Hope you enjoy the milk and cookies.
Let us know what you think at rmahoney@seawaynews.media
L’article Santa, in this ever-changing world, you are still a positive influencer est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
