By Abby Sabean

I do have a couple of gripes with Santa Claus. I know I could never tell him to his face but, as he seems to know everything that goes on in the world, he will find out somehow.

Why is Mrs. Claus always stuck in the kitchen making junk food to fatten him up for Christmas? She is a woman of the '90s. She should be out helping make the toys, if not delivering some herself. And for Pete's sake, give the woman a pair of jeans for a present. I'm sure they would be warmer than that ugly red dress.

There are other things of course. Why are all the elves and reindeer male? Can a female reindeer not fly as fast or high? And the female elves -- there have to be some -- can't make toys? They're always in a short skirt helping at Santa's side.

Fruit cake is no longer an appropriate gift, and candles are no longer put on trees -- that one makes sense because of the fire hazard -- but there is no reason why Mrs. Claus can't have her own sleigh and build a train set.

At the mall, I talked to a professional, Santa himself. Of course, his answers did not surprise me. He doesn't think he has to change. He's fine the way he has been for years.

He seems to forget he has changed. He started out walking around a town passing presents to little children.

I did really like how he finished the interview.

"It's not what I am but what I represent." That is what it all comes down to.

I wish I still believed in Santa Claus, because his purpose is to keep us giving to others. He gives us someone to believe in. People dream of the day when he returns to the mall to bring children happiness and tells them the wonderful story that giving is better than recieving. Kids dream about his magical sleigh and reindeer.

I just think that I want my children growing up believing their father and I are equal. Maybe Santa Claus could help out with that.