[ WP ] Santa Claus in a therapy session talking about some of the traumatizing things he 's encountered while delivering presents to peoples houses .

Mr. Kringle took a seat on the plush leather chair, as he usually did every year at our sessions. 
 
 `` Anything to drink, Kris?'' 
 
 `` Milk is fine. Whole, if you have it.'' 
 
 I extracted a pitcher of milk from a cooler I brought from home. I also offered him a small tray of homemade cookies, which he liked. Mr. Kringle had been a client of mine for several years, and every year or so, just before Christmas, he came to me to `` just talk for a while about work.'' 
 
 I shuffled some papers as he settled down in the chair once more. 
 
 `` So,'' I asked, knowing what he'd likely say, `` how are you today?'' 
 
 `` Today? I'm doing fine, I suppose. The missus is hard at work cleaning house while I'm out today.'' 
 
 `` And how was work this year?'' 
 
 A pause. A sigh. A dunk of cookie. 
 
 `` Better, in some cases. Worse in others.'' 
 
 `` How so?'' 
 
 He paused to chew one of the cookies. 
 
 `` I had to call the police no less than 2,000 times this last Christmas. Almost all of them abuse or drug-related. Those poor children...'' 
 
 `` Kris, I...'' 
 
 `` A little girl, covered in rags and scars. I still ca n't get the look of her sad face out my head. She fell asleep next to the fireplace this year.'' 
 
 ``...'' 
 
 `` She looked so small, so frail, and I could n't do anything about it. Could n't take her away from her parents, and I know how poorly your country's child welfare system operates.'' 
 
 `` Kris, you're not alone in feeling like this. I've worked with many case workers...'' 
 
 `` I know, and you've done a great deal. But for me...'' 
 
 `` Even with magic you ca n't make every little boy and girl happy.'' 
 
 A long pause, punctuated with another sigh. 
 
 ``... I know.'' 
 
 Kris dejectedly looked at his half-eaten cookie. 
 
 `` I've tried the techniques you've suggested in previous years. Talked to the missus, other good adults like yourself. I've even taken up a few hobbies in my spare time! It's taken a lot off my mind.'' 
 
 `` Are you sure you do n't want to try the medication I suggested last time?'' 
 
 `` I've thought a lot about that, you see. I had the elves do some more research, and, well... simply put, it does n't work when you're immortal and unchanging. I'm forever 67-and-a-half and dangerously overweight. Your medications assume that I process things like, well, a normal human!'' 
 
 `` That's... a fair point. I'm sorry I ca n't be of much use to you.'' 
 
 `` Nonsense. You've done a great deal in helping an old man like me cope with Christmas. It's just this time after the holidays that I sometimes feel... so sad.'' 
 
 `` To be honest, I get sad after the holidays as well. It's that sudden lack of cheer that eats away at you. Everyone just goes back to their jobs and that's it.'' 
 
 Kris tugged at his beard. 
 
 `` I suppose that's what I do. I spread Christmas cheer around the globe, and all I do afterwards is head back north. every year without fail.'' 
 
 `` You know, humans can spread our own cheer. You do n't need to feel obligated to do all of it on your own. Maybe that's the problem, Kris. You take too many burdens just to ensure humans are happy. Relax and try to enjoy Christmas this year.'' 
 
 Kris took a deep breath. Deep down, he knew that what I'd said was true. We sat for a while, sampling cookies and milk. After a while, he stood up, ready to head out for his yearly deliveries. 
 
 `` Thank you again for talking to me. You are helping me in ways you can not fathom. For someone like me, having a normal human being to talk to is... refreshing.'' 
 
 `` It's not a problem, Kris.'' 
 
 He offered a big hug, as he usually did every year, smelling of peppermint and hot chocolate. 
 
 A whisk of air, and he was gone. 
 
 Santa Claus would be alright tonight, for another year. It's his best-kept secret, but one I am happy to keep. After all, the man responsible for keeping Jolly Old Saint Nick, well `` Jolly'', is a feat few can accomplish.
