That’s right. I, a 51-year-old columnist in a profession famous for cynicism, still believe. Some will laugh at that, and that’s fine. Some think I’m being schmaltzy.

I believe in Santa Claus. I make that declaration every year before Christmas, and I make it this year louder than ever. Approval rating sinks Stop mocking me Get the latest views Submit a column.

Just prior to Christmas in 1823, a poem called “A Visit from St. Nicholas” appeared in the Troy Sentinel, sans attribution. The author, perhaps viewing this particular literary excursion as ...