That’s probably the toughest question we face every year around this time. As we roll through December posting shows by Toby Keith or Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, our email boxes fill up to capacity with messages inquiring as to the authenticity of a certain jolly old man who has been rumored to travel the world on Christmas Eve bringing gifts to all those who believe.

But aside from all the promoters, venue managers and booking agents who desperately want to believe in Santa, we still receive messages from children, like little Tommy in West Virginia, who asks the eternal question, “Is there a Santa Claus.” In answer to Tommy’s email, and the emails from children like him, we would like to address the following response:

Is there a Santa Claus? Of course there is, Tommy. For evidence of Santa can be found in every thing that’s good in life. No matter if it’s a front row ticket for Rufus Wainwright, or a primo parking place when one goes to see Cher, life is filled with little reminders that the jolly old elf from the North Pole does indeed exist.

But don’t look for proof, for Santa is the embodiment of all the dreams of all the little boys and girls who someday hope to grow up to afford tickets for Elton John, Motley Crue and Brian Wilson. Sure, your father could post guards around your fireplace come Christmas Eve in hopes of catching the strange man who forcibly enters your home, eats your cookies and drinks your milk, but what would that prove? That your locks are strong? That your electronic alarm system is working? That your dad’s gun fires?

Yes, West Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. You may not see him and you may never actually meet him, but Santa lives on in the hopes and dreams of little boys and girls the world over, a harbinger of what may be, and what can truly be accomplished if one tries. You may never see him, you may never have any court-admissible evidence that he’s there. But rest assured, there is a Santa Claus. All one needs is faith.

In fact, you could say that believing in the existence of Santa Claus is just like believing in the existence of Axl Rose. But not nearly as stressful.