He might prefer the sunny climes of Southern California (where I photographed him and his brethren in November.)

Or he might want us to contemplate where all the stuff ends up that he annually delivers – the flea market.

Or he is simply an old man with a beard, no longer able to keep up with these times, sweat on his brow.

(Then again, there were other old men with beards who were ahead of their times – the treetop angel is reading one of their books…)

Or maybe Santa got delayed by doing what he does best: providing some joy for the younger set, ignorant of consumer culture.

And if he doesn’t show, there will be other visitors, in a few days’ span.

Here is some rarely played Christmas music bei Liszt. More contemplative than merry, but that seems appropriate right now.