Julia: (brightly) So, have you done this kind of work before?

Kris: Nothing else. Never in my life. Nothing else but.

Mason: But it's kind of seasonal, isn't it? I mean you can't very well walk around being Santa Claus in August, can you?

Kris: August? That's our busiest month. That's when we do our inventory.

Julia: (dumbfounded) Inventory?

Kris: Oh, yes. Santa, he doesn't like to repeat himself, you know? Bringing the same toys two years in a row? Oh, no, there's a lot of organization and planning. It's a full-time job.

Mason: I see. And where do you work normally? Your business adress?

Kris: The business adress is the same as the home adress. Yeah, I have a little workshop out in the back. Oh yeah, I'd hate to commute every day in all that cold and snow and ice.

Julia: So you're obviously not from around here.

Kris: I'm about as far away as you can get!

Julia: I have the feeling you're about to say the North Pole.

Kris: That's right. It gets a little chilly, but the reindeer, they wouldn't have it any other way.

Mason: (going along with the "joke") I suppose the elves are used to it by now, huh?

Kris: The elves? They have a much higher metabolism. They can take the cold. Not like you and I.

Julia looks at Mason for help. He gives her none.

Julia: Well, you certainly seem qualified.

Mason: Among other things.

Julia: You're hired. (Mason is stunned) You have the job. You start tomorrow.

Kris: (delighted) Oh, that's wonderful. (rises to leave) Well then, I'll see you at six o'clock sharp.

Julia: Okay. Wait, I forgot... (surprised at his sudden disappearance) Where did he go, Mason? Did you see where he went?

Mason: To a rubber room, probably, Julia. That man is mad as a hatter.

Julia: Mason, he's harmless. And I'll bet he can use the money.

Mason: I can't believe that somebody that deluded is out roaming the streets.

Julia: Well, he seemed happy and healthy. And very sweet, don't you think? I think he'll make a terrific Santa.

Mason: How do you know? He may walk in here tomorrow dressed as Napoleon.

Julia: For once in your life will you not be the voice of doom? It's Christmas!

Mason: You're right. It's Christmas. Maybe I should count my blessings.

Julia: If you can think of any.

Mason: It shouldn't be difficult. One of them is right in front of me.

Julia smiles at him, flattered.

Click here for a transcript of Mason and Julia's next encounter.