SANTA: Steven? Steven, wake up. It's me, Santa Claus.
STEVE: Huh? Oh. Good morning Santa.
SANTA: I just wanted to compliment you on your blog. I read it often.
STEVE: Really? Wow, thank you! I didn't think too many people cared about it. I've wanted to update it more regularly, but things get in the way. Real life takes time.
SANTA: Indeed. It will be three years old this year, right?
STEVE: Right, on Wednesday, December 10.
SANTA: A little bird told me that you want to have a bigger presence on the Web. He said you wanted to download your art, stories and poems- and even some of your audio and video work!
STEVE: That's right- How on earth do you know these things?
SANTA: I have friends in low places. Of course, living on top of the world, most of my friends are in low places.
STEVE: Say, has global warming affected your work at the North Pole?
SANTA: Just a little bit. The reindeer have to be more careful in their reindeer games. And more and more of my volunteers are polar bears and penguins. Apparently they prefer living with me than trying to brave the sinking ice of their homes. My fear is that someday, they'll ALL have to live with me, and they won't have homes of their own anymore.
STEVE: That would be terrible indeed. They would change from animals into mythology. Just like the elves who help you out.
SANTA: It's very difficult for those elves to find work elsewhere. It's an age thing, I think. Some of them are 200 years old. No one wants to insure a 200-year-old elf.
STEVE: Santa, what do YOU want for Christmas?
SANTA: I ask for the same thing every year. I want the children of the world to share their love with others, just as I share my love with them.
STEVE: By giving presents.
SANTA: And by listening to them. And by letting them know that they are loved.
STEVE: You might enjoy my holiday blog posting about Daniel Striped Tiger. It's about sharing love as well:
SANTA: Yes, I love that post.
STEVE: It's turning into a Christmas tradition for me to link to it.
SANTA: Enough about me. What do YOU want for Christmas, Steven?
STEVE: Well. . . the problem is. . .most of the things I really want are spiritual. They can't be wrapped up in a box. They can't be bought at the store.
SANTA: You'd be surprised how often I get such requests. I certainly can't always make someone's dreams come true. But I can do one thing. I can offer who I am. I can let people know that I love them.
STEVE: Santa, that may be the most important work you do. When people see you, they should think of love. Like an old friend or relative, they should feel at ease with you, and willing to share in your dreams.
SANTA: I've got to hurry and make more deliveries. But I always enjoy talking with you, Steven.
STEVE: Thanks, Santa. It means a lot for me to spend time with you. Good luck!
SANTA: Goodbye until next year! Ho, ho, ho!
STEVE: Adios, amigo. Buenas noches! Feliz Navidad! Oingo Boingo! Duran Duran! Na-No, Na-No! Arivaderche! See yaaa!
SANTA: Quiet, you'll wake everybody up!
STEVE: Oh, sorry. To all, a good night!
