This story idea has the potential for a really good novel, but I thought this missed by a mile (good cliche.) The character of the husband in particular seemed rather simple minded, although the wife certainly wasn't too bright either. I just didn't see how either could be taken seriously, the way they were presented. What was the point in making the husband a part-time Santa Claus? I did not find either of them particularly sympathetic or believable because, I think, the writing was at a level as if Berg were writing a story for children instead of adults.