By Janet D. Stemwedel and offspring

Janet D. Stemwedel is a former physical chemist who, despite her status as a card-carrying philosopher (and associate professor of same at San Jose State University), cannot seem to leave science alone. Her teaching and research focus on issues in the philosophy of science and responsible conduct of scientific research (issues about which she also blogs about at scienceblogs.com/ethicsandscience). Where she really rolls up her sleeves to talk science, however, is in the parenting of her children (currently ages 8 and 10).

HELIUM PILLS FOR REINDEER AND OTHER TRICKS OF THE CHRISTMAS TRADE

Other kids may be convinced that Santa Claus uses some kind of Christmas magic to get the job done. Not my offspring. They have told me that obviously, Santa is putting his trust in science. (And also technology. But the holidays are no time for ugly spats about disciplinary boundaries.) From the younger offspring: Santa needed to do research, of course, to work out the details of flying reindeer. Apparently, much of this was online research. (Also, it looks like Santa uses a MacBook.) From the elder offspring, two items science relies on: The elastic in that bag must be…