This was the first year that we’ve really talked to Max about Santa Claus. He’s 5 now, and in previous years he didn’t care or didn’t understand. The magic did not last long.

Max, to Mom: Is Santa Claus real, or a made up story?

Mom: Well, Santa Claus is, um, the spirit of Christmas.

Max: But is he real or a made up story?

Mom: It’s kind of hard to say.

Max: Can Daddy say?

Mom: Go ask your Dad.

So, tomorrow, I get to pitch Santa Claus to a young skeptic. Somehow, saying “If you see it in the Huffington Post it’s so” doesn’t quite feel right.