December 11, 2025 by Glenn and Gail Mangurian
Dear Santa,
I’m sure you heard what some are predicting that advances in artificial intelligence and robotics will make work optional within the next 10 to 20 years. Some say that you might face an existential crisis that forces you into an early retirement. Here is what I say to that prediction – Bah Humbug.
These “technology futurists” envision a time where robots perform almost all of the labor humans do now – including the workers at the North Pole. Their rationale is that with enough automation, why would people need Santa (or his helpers) to deliver toys the old-fashioned way? Why rely on reindeer when robot couriers could deliver gifts more reliably, cheaply, and on-demand? The implications of these predictions has moved parents to tears. Isn’t this a narrow view of the real value that Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves and reindeer actually create?
I decided to ask an advanced AI chatbot, ChatGPT, if it believed this prediction. Here is Chat’s response.
“Santa, no one can predict the future including me. You and your team are and have always been joy creators! While robots might deliver presents, only Team Santa can deliver magic.
Here is a more positive thought for the future.
The workshop might shift from manufacturing toys to designing immersive holiday experiences. Elves will become creative directors. The reindeer will offer aerial tours of the aurora borealis. Santa can host nightly global livestreams — reading stories, leading virtual sleigh rides, and even appearing in augmented reality living rooms for cookies and cocoa.
On Christmas Eve, at exactly midnight, something extraordinary can happened. All at once, billions of children will see the same magical glimmer in the sky — a streak of golden light, warm and bright, passing overhead like a shooting star. It will be Santa, flying not to deliver gifts, but to deliver wonder. Joy will always need a human touch.”
And so Santa will not be out of work, not obsolete, but just as meaningful as always. In a future full of machines, he will become more human than ever.”
Santa, don’t despair. We humans get the emotional impact that you embody. Remember, magic is the warm, happy feeling a child gets when someone loves them enough to do something special. That’s what makes Christmas wonderful. As children, we were taught to believe in holiday magic. Like all parents, we passed that lesson on to our children and then they in turn shared the belief with their children. Wonder and belief never fade. We still believe.
Happy holidays from our home to yours,
Gail and Glenn Mangurian – Hingham residents for 42 years. They welcome your comments and can be reached at gmangurian@comcast.net
