Santa and the Stranger, Part 4

That night, Santa and his wife Valada sat close to the fireplace while drinking a cup of hot chocolate and discussing the proposal. “Santa,” his wife began, “we have been married a long time, and throughout our lifetime we have had to make many hard decisions about the welfare of other people. We carry on our shoulders a huge responsibility for the betterment of mankind. We have tried all our life to bring happiness and joy into this world. Before you make a decision on this new proposal, let’s reflect back on your thoughts about the happiness you have brought to so many people throughout the world. Do you remember the happiness, laughter, and joy in the sparkle of the children’s eyes? Can you forget about all the cookies and hot drinks the children have left for you to enjoy before you rose up the chimney to visit another house? What about the elves and their family members who worked for us through several generations? Do you remember when the weather was so bad, the reindeer couldn’t find their way through the fog, and it took Rudolph’s bright nose to guide the sleigh through the storm? We’ve had a lot of help, love, and friendship to guide us along the way. I don’t believe at this point in our lives that we should change our values to make our lives a little easier. We must think about all the hardship this new transaction might bring to others, and consider the repercussions of losing that fundamental belief in the value of mankind.”

“Santa gave a huge sigh. “I know, Valada, I value your opinions, and what you say is really true. Perhaps I have been blinded like a child overcome with excitement. I must remember that 'all that glitters is not gold.' I must keep my perspective clear on this matter. No matter what happens, we have a history of commitment, love, and charitable resources from all the people we have served. This new technology is moving people away from each other. Many no longer talk to people face-to-face. They email, text, or leave a voicemail. People can seldom hug or embrace each other without offending someone. So many are withdrawn into themselves. Few write letters or Christmas cards to loved ones, but send them emails instead. People talk on their smartphone as if no one’s around to hear their abusive conversation. Children today are more interested in playing video games than going outside and playing games with their friends. The world is changing right before our eyes, and most are too blind to see it. The educational system has run amok. Many administrators in our public education system are incompetent! The priorities of the system are evaluated by a series of tests sponsored by outside sources that make fortunes at the children’s expense. The system has taken away the students' resources such as art, music, and PE. Our children don’t exercise anymore and are becoming obese at an earlier age. Technology has replaced the fundamental concepts of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Video games are changing the social values of society by making our children slaves to technology. Young children are becoming mesmerized by the thrill of killing imaginary enemies in their video quest. More and more children have a problem differentiating between what’s real and what’s make-believe. If we let technology completely change our behavior, feelings, and empathy for other people, we lose the fundamental grasp of what it’s like to be a human being. Already many grownups have made that transition, losing their feelings for their fellow men. There is decreasing empathy or sympathy for the feelings of others. More and more people are taking on the characteristics of robots. It is only a matter of time and conditioning before human beings may be programmed to value the technical abilities of machines over the feelings of human beings. The more I think about all this technology, the more I identify with the old system.”

“Now Santa,” said Mrs. Clause, “I believe you’re just frustrated by all this new technology. I don’t believe there will ever be a robot Santa Claus. I don’t believe you’ll ever lose your job or the tradition you have created. Sometimes old values are still the best values. Our old values have been tested throughout our life and have always passed the test of time. Maybe you just need a good night’s sleep, then think about all this in the morning.” “I am such a lucky man to have had you by my side for all these years,” said Santa. “I just couldn’t imagine my life without your love and guidance to help me through these troubled times.” Valada reached over, picked up Santa’s hand, and kissed it. “That’s what I love about you, Santa; you always worry about your fellow human beings. Try not to worry; in time these concerns will take care of themselves. I think we better get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day, and there’s a lot to think about.”

(Story by George F. Kohn, author of Holiday Favorites series.

To be continued.)