The Garden Island had the rare opportunity to interview the big guy at the North Pole as he prepares for his biggest night of the year. Here is what he had to say. 1. So Santa, the big day is
The Garden Island had the rare opportunity to interview the big guy at the North Pole as he prepares for his biggest night of the year. Here is what he had to say.
1. So Santa, the big day is right around the corner. How are things coming together? Are all of your elves pulling their own weight up there at the North Pole?
Santa Claus: Things are humming at the North Pole. Only nine days until Christmas. The elves are small but they are mighty. I insist that they eat healthy food and get a good night’s sleep. That way all the toys they make will work right and be beautiful. And you know what? Eating healthy food and going to bed on time is good for boys and girls, too.
2. Speaking of the North Pole, where exactly is it? Can your factory/house be found on Google Earth?
SC: When you think of the North Pole, just look up. The North Pole is at the top of the world. You cannot see my house or toy factories on Google because I asked Google to help protect my privacy. I cannot have too many visitors because production on the toy assembly line would just come to a halt.
3. What are some of the most popular gifts on children’s lists this year?
SC: LeapFrog LeapPad 2, Nerf Elite, Furby, Kendama, Nintendo Wii U, Kindle Fire HD, Huffy Green Machine, Melissa and Doug Suspend and anything Hello Kitty.
4. What are you getting Mrs. Claus this year?
SC: Mrs. Claus loves to look at Christmas catalogues and pick our her gifts. This year she wants a cozy flannel nightgown, a book and a box of chocolates.
5. What is the strategy for getting down the chimney? Or, for that matter, getting back up? What if there is a fire?
SC: In the olden days I gave children gold coins, which I tossed into their bedroom windows. When it was too cold and the windows were closed, I threw the coins down the chimney. Nowadays, I just bring the toys right down the chimney. As for going back up, like a magician, I have to keep some secrets. Tricks of the trade, don’t you know. Don’t worry about the fire in the hearth, I have fireproof boots.
6. You and your reindeer must get a lot of treats on Christmas Eve. What is your favorite?
SC: My reindeer love to chomp down on crunchy carrots and apples, and I like cookies, all flavors. But I have to admit, sometimes I take a bite out of one of those delicious apples.
7. Do you have a favorite Christmas song? What about a favorite Christmas movie?
SC: Don’t you just love the Christmas carols and songs that fill the air after Thanksgiving? My favorite is “Here Comes Santa Claus” because it tells about how I bring joy and toys to all girls and boys. I am usually too busy to watch movies, but I have enjoyed “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Elf.”
8. How do you decide who is on the naughty and nice list? What list is The Garden Island on?
SC: I believe that every child knows the right way to behave. So really every boy and girl decides if he or she will be on the Nice list or the Naughty one by their behavior. My advice is, be good for goodness sake. Rest easy, you can call your paper The Nice Garden Island.
9. You must be very tired after visiting every house on Earth. How long do you usually sleep for after your trip?
SC: Ah, Christmas Day is time for a long winter’s nap and I sleep for hours and hours. You know, Kaua‘i is my last stop because that is where I like to go on vacation until I have to go back up to the North Pole and get organized for next Christmas.
10. Lastly, what message would you like to send to children around the world, including those who say you are not real?
SC: Santa wishes all the boys and girls peace and love at Christmastime and all year long. Oh, ho ho ho, who would want to live in a world without Santa?
