When Ms. Claus came into my office, she found me with my head in my hands and my elbows on my desk. “Is something bothering you dear?”
I slowly looked up while keeping my hands on my face. “Yes!”
“Well how can I help?”
“I’m not sure you can.” Leaning back in my chair, I continued, “You know how I am always talking to children about being good?”
“Of course! That’s part of your job to help children know the difference between right and wrong and to grow up as good and kind adults.”
“Well, maybe I’m not the best role model,” I answered and sat next to my wife on the sofa.
Ms. Claus reached over and took my hand in hers. “What’s on your mind dear? It can’t be that bad.”
“Maybe not. But I’m afraid that if I correct the problem, the children and their parents might not think of me in the same way anymore. Who could ever trust a liar?”
“You!? I’ve never known you to lie! That’s crazy?”
“Well, it isn’t exactly a lie, more like information that wasn’t exactly true.” I turned to face my wife and explained. “You know that I have allowed everyone to think all my reindeer are boys when they are actually girls.”
Ms. Claus nodded.
“Over the years people have written stories about me and the reindeer,” I continued. “They gave them boys names and what many believe are manly characteristics of men like strongest or fastest. Eventually, everyone assumed they were all male.” I chuckled, “If people only knew the truth.”
Anya shook her head. “Imagine what would happen if they found out that male reindeer shed their antlers in early December, and females keep theirs all winter long.”
“That’s true,” I said and started to walk around my office. “I wonder what would happen if people also discovered that female reindeer are better adapted to the sub-zero weather we have during the Christmas season, than the males.”
“Well…. our elves know this,” Anya mentioned, “but I’m not sure the general public does.”
I stopped. “Exactly, but what if everyone around the world discovered these things. How would they feel? I plopped down on the sofa and stared at my wife. “What would they think about me,” I whispered and dropped my head into my hands.
Ms. Claus slid her arm around my shoulder and gave my arm a squeeze. “I understand that you’re feeling troubled about this,” she said gently. “But let’s look at this a little differently. First of all, it’s important to remember that your intentions have always been good. You spread joy, kindness, and goodwill among children and families all around the world. That’s just who you are.”
She took my hands in hers. “As for the gender of the reindeer, it’s not as if you intentionally misled anyone. Misunderstandings can arise over time, and correcting them is a natural part of growth and learning.”
“You’re right,” I answered and gave her a hug. “Besides, since I know the truth about my reindeer, I can share it anytime someone asks me a question about my team.”
I sat back and began to think about the reindeer. “Hum, there is a lot of reindeer information out there that is either wrong or hasn’t been shared.”
Anya slipped her arm through mine and cut into my thoughts. “If you do share details about the reindeer why not tell people why you picked them to pull your sleigh?”
“That’s easy, their eyesight. Since Christmas is in the winter and the sun sits lower on the horizon, the reindeer are able to see more ultraviolet light that humans can’t see, and their night vision is exceptional.”
“Is that true of both the males and females?” Anya snickered, giving me a punch on the arm.
“Very funny.”
“I thought so,” she laughed. “Besides, dear, people usually understand that things happen. They’ll likely appreciate your honesty and openness in setting the record straight.”
I sighed, feeling a bit relieved. “You’re right, Anya. I just want the spirit of Christmas to continue and that I remain a positive influence for children.”
My wife gave me a big hug. “And you will, dear. The magic of Christmas is in the love, joy, and kindness you share. You’re allowed to make mistakes, as long as you take responsibility for them.”
I felt encouraged and smiled. “Thank you, Anya. I needed someone to talk to about this.”
She grinned. “That’s what friends are for, even during the busiest times of the year. Now, what about developing a list of reindeer characteristics and maybe include why you chose each of the reindeer on your team.”
“I like that. I could even put pictures of them on my elf communicator to show the children. Yeah, I think this is going to work.”
Notes From Santa
I hope you enjoyed today’s story. Stories are posted on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, except December. Santa’s next story will be posted on Saturday September 16, 2023. If you have any comments or if there is something you would like me to tell you about, please feel free to leave me a comment. Until the next time . . .
To read more about Reindeer please check out:
How Rudolph Got His Red Nose – September 2, 2019
Dasher Becomes Part of Santas Team – October 28, 2019
Reiney Meets Cupid – February 10, 2020
Virus Threatens Santa’s Reindeer – March 30, 2020
Reindeer vs Technology – June 1, 2020
Blitzen Loses Race – August 31, 2020
Donner To The Rescue – November 16, 2020
Reindeer Games – September, 6, 2021
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