As engineers we are always taught to reason our way through problems and investigate theories on why and how something works. That’s one of the most important and interesting facets of engineering for me - getting down to the why’s and how’s. As kids, at some point I believed in that bearded, overweight, old chap who would deliver presents to good kids all over the world. I even remember keeping a red sock for Santa when I was 8.

Times have changed then and theories about Santa’s existence are all but well known - even to some kids of age 10! Kids are really smart nowadays and to my surprise I recently had a little kid tell me in Crabtree mall recently:

There is no Santa Claus. Santa is really your dad.

And of course your mom is the tooth-fairy…I’ve heard that one before. To hear that from a kid of that age is another thing all together. Today many parents in America contemplate telling their kids early on that there is no real Santa, before some smart-alec kid in school points out a few inconsistencies about Santa. Either way, you’re gonna break the kid’s heart and all on the basis of a few rumours.

Santa’s wonder journey on Christmas eve may not be inexplicable after all. If you don’t believe me, read this explanation by Prof. Silverberg at NC State, which clearly explains how Santa uses advanced technology to know what a kid wants and how good he/she has been and then deliver the presents on time. As the professor says:

Children shouldn’t put too much credence in the opinions of those who say it’s not possible to deliver presents all over the world in one night. It is possible, and it’s based on plausible science.

So the next time you tell a kid Santa does not exist, remember that you many not have considered that technology can make impossible things happen!