Christmas is the time when many celebrate two beloved mythological icons of the holiday season, Jesus and Santa Claus.
Both of these myths probably originate from actual persons who supposedly existed (though there is no certainty of documentation for either), Jesus of Nazareth and Saint Nicolas, Bishop of Myra. But from what few, sketchy likely facts we have about either of these men, much myth, legend, fantasy and magic has evolved.
They are both WATCHING YOU all the time — in a creepy, peeping Tom kind of way.
They both offer FREE GIFTS — Jesus brings salvation and Santa brings toys to children. In both cases, the gifts are supposedly UNCONDITIONAL. Jesus and Santa love everyone. Well, except for the CONDITION that in each case they do have the requirement that you BELIEVE in them.
(And that NDA that needs to be signed, per the cartoon.)
At one time in my life, I believed in a real, literal Santa Claus bringing me presents for Christmas.
Still later, I believed in a real, literal Jesus as savior who magically makes my “sins” disappear in return for accepting him as a human sacrifice.
And both of them are socialists who give freely according to need (though Santa does somehow seem to favor children from rich families).
But then we grow up. While I have outgrown the literal belief in the magical, fantasy aspects of both mythologies, we can continue to embrace and celebrate the spirit of joy, love and (almost) unconditional giving represented by each, even if it is more aspirational than realistically rational.
And so many service providers, including government agencies, that require customers to swear that they have read the whole Terms and Conditions screed that’s printed or onscreen in fine gray print before you can proceed to request anything.
Davis D Danizier (3D) 5 months ago
Christmas is the time when many celebrate two beloved mythological icons of the holiday season, Jesus and Santa Claus.
Both of these myths probably originate from actual persons who supposedly existed (though there is no certainty of documentation for either), Jesus of Nazareth and Saint Nicolas, Bishop of Myra. But from what few, sketchy likely facts we have about either of these men, much myth, legend, fantasy and magic has evolved.
They are both WATCHING YOU all the time — in a creepy, peeping Tom kind of way.
They both offer FREE GIFTS — Jesus brings salvation and Santa brings toys to children. In both cases, the gifts are supposedly UNCONDITIONAL. Jesus and Santa love everyone. Well, except for the CONDITION that in each case they do have the requirement that you BELIEVE in them.
(And that NDA that needs to be signed, per the cartoon.)
At one time in my life, I believed in a real, literal Santa Claus bringing me presents for Christmas.
Still later, I believed in a real, literal Jesus as savior who magically makes my “sins” disappear in return for accepting him as a human sacrifice.
And both of them are socialists who give freely according to need (though Santa does somehow seem to favor children from rich families).
But then we grow up. While I have outgrown the literal belief in the magical, fantasy aspects of both mythologies, we can continue to embrace and celebrate the spirit of joy, love and (almost) unconditional giving represented by each, even if it is more aspirational than realistically rational.
saobadao 5 months ago
Santa at Mar a lago
Botulism Bob 5 months ago
Leave it to the lawyers to take all the fun out of Christmas……
Concretionist 5 months ago
We used to joke about needing a Sanity Clause to get involved in having kids.
sirbadger 5 months ago
Are contracts with children legally binding?
hariseldon59 5 months ago
The Santa Clause (apologies to Tim Allen).
PraiseofFolly 5 months ago
Obviously, Santa is feeling the heat from Amazon! No more Jolly Old Saint Nick!
Zykoic 5 months ago
Imagine Klaus Schwab as Santa.
sandpiper 5 months ago
The future of Christmas past.
keenanthelibrarian 5 months ago
Wiley kids – love ’em. On another matter, I thought that Santa should be signing the non-disclosure agreement …
Kurtass Premium Member 5 months ago
That will shorten up the line.
phritzg Premium Member 5 months ago
Also, there will be no more sitting on Santa’s lap, to protect him from any potential lawsuits that may arise in the future.
dot-the-I 5 months ago
A lump of coal for the kid who TP’d his Christmas tree.
JoeStoppinghem Premium Member 5 months ago
This must be the Christmas party for Oprah’s workers.
ladykat 5 months ago
Don’t do that to the children!
c141starlifter 5 months ago
Looks like DJT took an extra duty.
BlueLancer Premium Member 5 months ago
You can’t fool me … there ain’t no Sanity Clause …
Lone PandaKemoSabe 5 months ago
And a Federal photo I.D.
phredturner 5 months ago
Only Fake Santa goes there
rickseg 5 months ago
I like Wiley’s kids sitting totally engrossed reading those long NDAs. Good one Wiley!
A Common 'tator 5 months ago
Is continuous stationary still a thing ?
notjimothy 5 months ago
Did I miss the partisan politics in this cartoon?
bluegirl285 5 months ago
Ok, I’ll bite. WHY does Santa need non-disclosure agreements?
Count Olaf Premium Member 5 months ago
So are the elves Subordinate Clauses and if they are naughty Insubordinate Clauses? Asking for a friend.
Otis Rufus Driftwood 5 months ago
Lawyers ruin everything.
gammaguy 5 months ago
Such a supposed Non Disclosure Agreement would be legally unenforceable, as the kids are too young to be considered responsible for signing contracts.
Although I suppose that if he can frighten them into not questioning the legality….
LeeBrenneison 5 months ago
Read the comment policy…PLEASE
Mike Baldwin creator 5 months ago
I totally get it. Details on how he sees you while you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake, could be very damaging.
DaBump Premium Member 5 months ago
It’s the SANTAs who should have papers for the parents to review before they let their kids get near them.
T... 5 months ago
Happy lawyer’s kids on see Santa day at the office…
eddi-TBH 5 months ago
That’s not the Sanity Claus.
JH&Cats 5 months ago
And so many service providers, including government agencies, that require customers to swear that they have read the whole Terms and Conditions screed that’s printed or onscreen in fine gray print before you can proceed to request anything.
saobadao 5 months ago
How in heck does a comic strip lead to all this vitriol? As a nation we are in so much trouble!
SavannahJim Premium Member 5 months ago
Not a good sign if a stranger in disguise makes you sign an NDA prior to placing your child on his lap.