Christmas is just a few days away. And, reports are that Santa Claus and his reindeer are preparing for one of the world’s longest work shifts. By Christmas morning, they will have travelled a delivery route that spans the globe.
Whitewater News had an opportunity to talk with the Jolly Old Elf during one of his stops in Whitewater Region. Prior to the interview, Santa parked himself in a chair, posed for pictures with kids and listened to their Christmas dreams.
The most popular items on wish lists, Santa said, were Barbie and accessories, Lego toys and games, and bikes.
Santa sounded like a man who loves his job – especially the chance to make children of all ages happy.
Hobbies? None that we could discover, though Santa did serenade us with “Jingle Bells” on his harmonica. And – attention all those who plan to leave him a snack – he is partial to chocolate-chip and peanut butter cookies.
Here’s the interview, edited to be heartwarming and fun.
Q. What’s the best part about being Santa?
A. The best part is when the kids are lined up and just can’t wait for their turn. Some are quiet while others are just vibrating. When they shout Santa! There’s just nothing else like that in the world.
Q. Is there a least favorite part?
A. Dealing with the tears of those who have what I call “Santaphobia.” Very often, a year-and-a-half to two-year-olds go through a period when they’re extremely terrified of this persona, this look. I’ve tried to do little experiments to try to figure out – is it the beard? Is it the coat?
Q. Do any kids ask for intangible things like peace on Earth or something in their home situation?
A. I occasionally get some of those. Of course, Santa is primarily known for delivering toys. I can’t tackle some of these bigger issues. I do tell them that I’ll think about them, and I’ll remember them, and I have what some people would call a prayer bead or remembrance bead. They know that I’m listening to them and am serious about hearing what they’re concerned about. That helps.
Q. Is Rudolph still your favourite reindeer?
A. I wouldn’t necessarily call him my favourite, but I have a great deal of respect for him because he had to overcome being bullied. So he got strong and worked through that. So I’ve always been proud of him for having done that.
Q. Guess that’s a lesson for some children, too, who’ve been bullied.
A. Yes. And you have to look for a way to stay strong and work through it, and Rudolph did.
Q. Let me ask you about Christmas Eve: How do you and your reindeer get to so many houses in just one night?
A. Now that is magic that I don’t understand. So that’s just a mystery.
Q. How many houses do you go to?
A. It’s millions, and it’s not always houses. It’s also tents and igloos.
Q. Have you ever been scorched by someone who left their fireplace burning? You go down the chimney, right?
A. The reindeer have sensitive noses. They know from the smoke and the heat that’s coming up. They warn me if there’s a problem there. We can sometimes go through the window or the front door.
Q. When I was growing up, my friends and I wrote you letters. Do kids today email you? Text you?
A. The information comes in through a variety of sources. But it can be just as simple as children passing me a note. Kids still bring their letters to me. They go right into my pockets. One of the neat things that’s happened this season is that people bring me gift cards to Tim Hortons. I wonder if it’s because I gave a few of them a hard time when they walked through with their cups and I said, ‘Where’s mine?’
Q. Christmas is also the day Jesus was born.
A. Certainly. It’s the reason for the season. But the expression of unconditional love that Santa represents is a universal one. It doesn’t have to be just Christianity. It’s found in all religions and in all people. What I am about is unconditional love.
