Santa Claus has the right idea - visit people only once a year.

Opening Scene

The room is softly illuminated by the warm glow of a table lamp, casting long shadows as the evening deepens. Outside, the usual city noise fades into a quiet hum. Jack sits at the table, flipping through a book, while Jeeny stands near the window, gazing out at the city below. The mood is light yet contemplative, as if a conversation about relationships, boundaries, and the delicate balance between connection and space is about to unfold.

Host: After a brief moment of silence, Jeeny turns from the window, a playful tone in her voice as she speaks.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by Victor Borge that made me laugh. He said, ‘Santa Claus has the right idea - visit people only once a year.’ It got me thinking about how much space we need in our relationships. It’s funny, but there’s truth in it, don’t you think? Sometimes, less is more when it comes to how often we see or interact with people. What do you think? Can too much closeness be a problem?”

Jack: “I love this quote. It’s a humorous way to highlight something that’s actually pretty profound. Santa Claus is symbolic of the idea of generosity and joy, but he’s also a figure that doesn’t overstay his welcome. He shows up once a year, with excitement and celebration, and that makes his presence feel special. In relationships, sometimes space is necessary to keep things fresh and to prevent feeling overwhelmed. It’s about quality over quantity — making the time together count rather than just being constantly available.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And I think this speaks to the importance of boundaries. Relationships can be wonderful, but if we’re always around, always giving, or always available, we can lose our sense of self or start feeling drained. It’s not that we don’t love the people in our lives — it’s just that space gives us the opportunity to recharge and maintain a sense of balance. It allows us to show up in the best way possible when we do spend time together.”

Jack: “Right. And I think there’s a misconception that being constantly available means you’re showing love or commitment. In reality, spending too much time together without space can actually make things feel more routine and less meaningful. By visiting only once a year, Santa reminds us that absence makes the heart grow fonder. When we give people room to miss us, our interactions become more meaningful and full of energy.”

Host: The conversation deepens, and Jeeny moves closer, sitting across from Jack. Her voice steady as she continues.

Jeeny: “And I think it’s also about self-care. When we’re too focused on constantly being around other people, we forget about our own needs. We can become so consumed by other people’s lives that we lose touch with what we need to feel fulfilled. By keeping a bit of distance, we create space for ourselves — to grow, reflect, and take care of our own well-being. It’s not about being distant or cold; it’s about respecting our own need for balance.”

Jack: “Exactly. Relationships are about connection, but they’re also about maintaining your own individuality. Having some time apart allows each person to flourish on their own, which actually makes the time you do spend together more authentic and enjoyable. We don’t need to be in constant contact to maintain strong relationships; in fact, sometimes the best relationships are those where both people have their own space to grow and be themselves.”

Jeeny: “And I think that’s where we find the most genuine connections — when we give each other the space to breathe. We’re all busy with our own lives, and that space allows us to come back together with more to share and more to offer. We don’t need to be constantly involved in each other’s daily routine. The occasional visit, when it’s timed right, is much more impactful and meaningful.”

Jack: “Right. It’s about creating healthy boundaries that allow both people to maintain their individuality while still being deeply connected. The idea of visiting once a year — like Santa does — reminds us that presence is precious when it’s not overdone. The surprise and joy of that visit become all the more significant because it’s not happening all the time.”

Host: The room quiets for a moment as Jack and Jeeny reflect on the deeper meaning behind Victor Borge’s words. Outside, the world continues its rhythm, but inside, they share a quiet realization about the importance of space and boundaries in relationships.

Jeeny: “So, maybe the lesson here is that balance is key. We don’t need to be constantly available for the people in our lives. Giving each other space — and respecting our own need for space — creates stronger, more meaningful connections.”

Jack: “Exactly. By creating space, we make our time together more valuable. Relationships thrive on quality, not just quantity. The more we give ourselves room to breathe, the more we can show up with energy, enthusiasm, and a deeper connection.”

Host: As the evening continues, the conversation wraps up with a quiet understanding. Space in relationships isn’t a sign of distance or coldness; it’s a way to maintain balance, recharge, and ensure that when we come together, it’s with a renewed sense of joy and meaning. Sometimes, less is more, and the magic of a visit lies in the anticipation and the time spent apart.