"Sure, blame it all on me," cried the sun. "It's not like I do anything else but give you warmth and life or whatever."
Could it be that Santa's magic is working double for you because you believe in him? I mean, sure you believe that he's just a myth, but even so, you still believe* in something--an idea. That in itself could be the root of your conundrum. You are trying to beat a phantom, as you say.
Seasonal jobs are really hard when it's off-season. I'm sure that yours is going to pick back up once the snow washes away all of the paint. Man, I'm really rooting for you as you climb that tree to claim your prize. Never mind common sense. As far as you're concerned it's a fictional as that big ol' jolly elf. Can't wait to read the next part! I already have it on queue.
It's true, I only believe he's a myth, even while they say he's always watching, knows when you've been bad or good, but still doesn't exist. This does sound suspicious now that you mention it. He was probably watching the whole time! I'm just glad this house doesn't have a chimney.
I'm glad I looked down when I did, I may have kept going, and might have become trapped up there, forced to eat the toxic mistletoe that was supposed to be my savior.
Or, with a twist of fate, it would be your savior, and eating it would've brought you the fortune you so rightfully worked hard for!
I like the way you think! I did work hard, and dangerously.
Makes you think of all the possibilities that would've branched out from it. Would you have been Satoshi Nakamoto? Wait, are you Satoshi in the guise of Paulie B??