Don’t get me wrong here. None of us are claiming we are in any sort of saint category, like jolly St. Nick, but we do hold some common ground with the old Chief Elf. Granted, there are a few subtle differences. But overall, we have very similar responsibilities.

Like most Realtors, St. Nicholas was actually a real person. Temporarily suspending the comparison, this kind gentleman was born around 280 A.D. in Patara, which is now modern-day Turkey. Christened Nicholas at birth, he was known for his kindness and generosity. He was a reverent and respectful man who gave away his inherited wealth to help the less fortunate. It was told that he anonymously dropped three bags of gold down a chimney to provide for three poor sisters in the area.

Much later, into the 17th century, the Dutch began to celebrate Nicholas, who had been bestowed the title of “saint” somewhere along the line. They began to give gifts to others in his name, calling him “Sinterklaas.” The Dutch immigrants brought the tradition along with them into New Amsterdam (present day New York City) during the 17th century and, of course, the rest is history. We took that tradition and turned it into the modern-day festival of holiday cheer and pandemonium that it is today. Yet I digress.

The Santa that we all know and love today is much like the original St. Nicholas of old. However, he is really more of an idea than an actual person. Lest anyone desire to skip the spoiler here, consider this a fair warning. If the ageless, overweight, jolly man in red with an infinite income who magically visits 2.1 billion households in one night is somehow real, then we are nothing alike. However, if the idea of a old guy (or girl in this case) who is known to bring joy and fulfillment to others through a long-awaited process during a period of time, then we can relate. Just as Santa delivers presents to “good” boys and girls (“good” being synonymous here with credit worthy), a Realtor can deliver the keys to a client’s dream home.

Of course, we both need to be able to navigate each area of service with paramount expertise. We must be familiar with each of our clients, their specific needs and wishes as well as each of the neighborhoods. We both need to know which houses have the proverbial chimneys and which do not.

We each have the obligation to remain jolly. Honestly, it would be difficult not to. After all, we are bringing joy to others in the form of a meaningful gift. We must stay optimistic and have a strong ability to quickly provide solutions to problems that may arise.

Efficient travel and speed are also essential qualities. We have the ability to hit many homes in a single day, leave no trace in each and eat a ton of cookies along the way. All of this while meeting some very tight deadlines.

Ultimately, the best part of both of our occupations — Santa’s and a Realtor’s — is the relationship building. That is the one thing that is priceless. So whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, Posadas Navidenas, Yule or Boxing Day, may it be merry and bright.

Jen Fischer is an associate broker and Realtor. She can be reached at 801-645-2134 or jen@jen-fischer.com.