落とし穴外伝：子供たちの疑問 クリスマスのサンタについて (Part2)
"Exactly. The important thing is receiving it from Santa. Your fathers remember that, too. That’s why we act as Santa to deliver those gifts. Whether it’s 'real' or 'fake' doesn't really matter in that regard."
"Hmm?"
I had hoped to wrap this up with a heartwarming sentiment, but it seems that didn't quite land. Time for the final resort.
"Well, there’s no need to overthink it. Unfortunately, if we call them 'fakes,' those Santas won't be able to give out any presents, will they? Because they’re fakes, after all."
At my words, Sakura and the others looked startled.
"And in our house, your father acts as Santa. If you deny that, then your Christmas presents will only come from your mother and me. The portion from Santa will simply vanish."
"No! Father is just helping out because the real Santa is so busy, right?"
"That’s right. I think it’s better to have the presents distributed."
"I want lots of books."
"Indeed, Father. Surely, more presents are better."
They scrambled to retract their skepticism, suddenly realizing that the number of gifts would dwindle. Yes, this was the most effective approach.
"But, aren't the fakes bad?"
"No, they aren't! They're all real! Right, everyone?"
"Yeah, they're all real. The Santas who give us presents are real!"
"As long as I can read books, it's fine."
"That's right, everyone is real!"
And just like that, the children were successfully persuaded.
"You really do have a silver tongue, as always."
"Do I? I feel like I ended that on a rather materialistic note, honestly."
Once the children had scampered off, my wives—led by Seraria—emerged from the shadows. They must have been struggling with the children's questions themselves.
"Even so, it was a dream-filled explanation. Telling them that there is no real or fake when it comes to helping Santa."
"It’s the truth, isn't it? There are mountains of Santas in Santa's village, after all."
I replied to Rurua’s comment with simple honesty. It wasn't a lie, after all.
"Even so. You taught them that there is no difference between the real one and the fakes."
"You think so? I don't think they were entirely convinced, though."
Eris claimed my explanation of real versus fake was sound, but I knew that deep in the children's hearts, a specific image of Santa already existed. To them, that image was the "real" one, and all others were undoubtedly fakes.
"My, the one who taught the lesson isn't convinced himself? Yuki, what kind of person do you think the 'real' Santa is?"
"Let’s see..."
Prompted by Deryu’s question, I cast my gaze into the void. I looked past the ceiling, pondering what truly defined Santa, but the answer came to me instantly.
"I suppose it’s someone who can make people smile. Even if it’s just for a moment, that’s a difficult thing to achieve."
Yes, making people smile is truly hard. Everyone has their likes and dislikes, and just because you give someone a gift doesn't guarantee a smile. But if you wear the Santa suit, people will accept the gift regardless. Even if they don't like what's inside, you can make them smile for that one fleeting moment.
That, I believe, is something extraordinary.
Now that I’m an adult, I realize it all over again. That outfit, that persona—that is exactly what Santa is meant to be.
When they heard my answer, Seraria and the others blinked in surprise.
"Pfft, I see. I suppose that is quite difficult to do."
"Indeed. I think a Santa who can make people smile is a truly remarkable person."
"Though, you aren't much different yourself, are you, Yuki?"
"That’s true. You make us smile just like that, too. Now then, the children are waiting impatiently for Santa, so let’s get this Christmas party started, shall we?"
They said such kind things. I’m grateful for their praise, but I’ll leave the self-improvement for later; for now, I have a job to do for the children.
"Alright then, let’s do our best as one-day-only Santas."
And so, our work as Santa’s helpers began.
No matter how you dress it up, the fact remains that for children, the best part is simply getting more presents. But setting aside the children's perspective, adults playing the part of Santa provides a reason to give gifts and a reason to receive them.
Having become an adult, I finally understand. Perhaps it’s pathetic that adults need a reason to act, or perhaps it’s just a sign of growing up.
Well, let’s leave the complicated thoughts for another time. Merry Christmas.