This is the 4th story in our Dear Santa: Real Questions, Real Answers series where the questions are real, and so are the answers.

“Are you the real Santa?”

That is a very important question.

Most people think something can only be real if there is just one of it. But a song is still real when many people sing it. A story is still real when different voices tell it. And love is real even though it lives in more than one heart.

Santa is a little like that.

You see, a person does not simply decide to become Santa because he finds a red coat and grows a beard.

First, Christmas must call him.

It usually begins quietly. He notices a child others have passed by. He feels happiest when giving something away. He discovers that protecting wonder is more important than receiving attention. If he continues listening to that small voice inside him, someone who already carries the Christmas promise may recognize it too.

Then he is taught how to wear the coat, not only on his shoulders, but in his heart.

He makes a promise to listen carefully, protect children, bring hope, and give without asking for anything in return.

So, am I the real Santa?

I am someone who heard that calling, accepted the coat, and promised to carry its goodness faithfully for as long as it is entrusted to me.

A person does not become Santa when he puts on the red coat. He is given the red coat when others can already see Santa growing inside him.