Date: Tue, 8 Dec 1998 10:18:32 -0500 (EST)
From: Little Wolf
Subject: BLAGUES-L: Santa Claus is a woman

Date: Sat, 28 Nov 1998 22:33:42 -0700
From: "E.W. Smith"


It appears that even Santa can't escape man bashing.  Poor Santa.


BECAUSE A MAN COULDN'T MEET THE DEMANDS OF THE JOB.

I think Santa Claus is a woman.  I hate to be the one to defy sacred myth,
but I believe he's a she. Think about it. Christmas is a big, organized,
warm, fuzzy, nurturing social deal, and I have a tough time believing a
guy could possibly pull it all off!

For starters, the vast majority of men don't even think about selecting
gifts until Christmas Eve. It's as if they are all frozen in some kind of
Ebenezerian Time Warp until 3 p.m. on Dec.  24th, when they - with amazing
calm - call other errant men and plan for a last-minute shopping spree. 

Once at the mall, they always seem surprised to find only Ronco products,
socket wrench sets, and mood rings left on the shelves.  (You might think
this would send them into a fit of panic and guilt, but my husband tells
me it's an enormous relief because it lessens the 11th hour
decision-making burden.) On this count alone, I'm convinced Santa is a
woman. Surely, if he were a man, everyone in the universe would wake up
Christmas morning to find a rotating musical Chia Pet under the tree,
still in the bag.

Another problem for a he-Santa would be getting there.  First of all,
there would be no reindeer because they would all be dead, gutted and
strapped on to the rear bumper of the sleigh amid wide-eyed, desperate
claims that buck season had been extended. Blitzen's rack would already be
on the way to the taxidermist. Even if the male Santa DID have reindeer,
he'd still have transportation problems because he would inevitably get
lost up there in the snow and clouds and then refuse to stop and ask for
directions.

Add to this the fact that there would be unavoidable delays in the
chimney, where the Bob Vila-like Santa would stop to inspect and repaint
bricks in the flue. He would also need to check for carbon monoxide fumes
in every gas fireplace, and get under every Christmas tree that is crooked
to straighten it to a perfectly upright 90-degree angle. Other reasons why
Santa can't possibly be a man:

 - Men can't pack a bag.

 - Men would rather be dead than caught wearing red velvet.

 - Men would feel their masculinity is threatened...having to be seen with
all those elves. 

 - Men don't answer their mail.

 - Men would refuse to allow their physique to be described even in jest
as anything remotely resembling a "bowl full of jelly." 

  - Men aren't interested in stockings unless somebody's wearing them. 

  - Having to do the Ho Ho Ho thing would seriously inhibit their ability
to pick up women.

  - Finally, being responsible for Christmas would require a commitment. 

I can buy the fact that other mythical holiday characters are men.  Father
Time shows up once a year unshaven and looking ominous.  Definite guy
Cupid flies around carrying weapons.  Uncle Sam is a politician who likes
to point fingers.  Any one of these individuals could pass the
testosterone screening test.  But not St. Nick. Not a chance. As long as
we have each other, good will, peace on earth, faith and Nat King Cole's
version of "The Christmas Song," it probably makes little difference what
gender Santa is.  I just wish she'd quit dressing like a guy!!!