[It'll become apparent that Niles is already inside when a hoarse scream sounds from within. Whether Santa then moves back or not, the door then swings open a moment later, with Niles stumbling out into the hallway, gasping like he was drowning and needed to come out just to breathe, and drenched in sweat.]

[A second later, he fixes his eye on Santa, and his panicked expression forcefully eases into a shaky smile.]

Well well. Passing through, or have you come by just to see me?