Me and Mrs. Claus

Santa, how long have you been called that?
As long as I can remember.

Kris Kringle and St. Nicholas never had the prominence Santa Claus had.
You may be right. It's been a long journey, hasn't it?

You don't know how I worried when I was home alone and you were out there living it up.
Well, my dear, you really never wanted to go with me.

Yes, you are right. But still I worried.
That we wouldn't get any treats when we left the houses?

No no no, silly. I was worried about those reindeer. They were getting old, you know.
Ah, yes. Those animals were worth their weight in gold. They never aged.

But you sure did. Each time you came home, you were more and more exhausted.
Yeah. I suppose you are right. You know, I have thought of retiring.

Really? Since when?
Ever since they began to push the season further and further back.

Like Black Friday after Thanksgiving?
That is something, isn't it? But no, I mean even earlier than that. Decorations appearing, and those commercials with Santa decked out in his finery in the middle of summer almost.

I see what you mean. But is that all?
Not really, It really got to me when I heard of Baby Jesus getting stolen in broad daylight in front of churches.

And worse. Well, maybe not worse, but terrible how schools and public places have banned the Christchild but not Santa Claus.
Do you suppose they forgot how Christmas got started in the first place?

I suppose. Those signs and Christmas Cards with “the reason for the season” didn't help too much.
They were clever but apparently not very effective. You know, dear, I was curious and took a peek in the foyer of a church. Guess what I saw.

What did you see?
There was the creche with Mary and Joseph, the animals, and the Baby Jesus lying in a manger. then there was a Santa Claus, kneeling alongside the creche.

You're not serious.
I am. And there was this sign: AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW.

Really?
Really. While I stood there watching, the custodian came up, grabbed the Santa.

What did you do?
I took his arm and said, “Sir, where are you taking him?” He said it was sacrilegious and the church officials ordered it removed.

The church did that? How could they?
It finally dawned on me, my dear. I, Santa Claus, am popular, yes. But the Baby Jesus is indispensable.