I met Santa Claus last year while taking festive family photos on a crisp November day. I found him to be extremely friendly and kind. We chatted during the photo session and have since kept in contact. I mean, who wouldn’t want Santa as a friend? He’s a really busy friend this time of year, but who can say no to free ice cream?
He’s got quite a sweet tooth, you know, so convincing him to come to my ice cream parlor for a special treat in exchange for this candid interview was not as hard as you might think. In fact, during our time together, Santa shared that ice cream is actually his favorite sweet treat, but it melts too quickly for children to leave out on Christmas Eve. Cookies work best.
Enjoy this one-on-one interview with the man in the red suit . . . Santa Claus himself. You might think you know all about him, but I can guarantee there may be a surprise . . . or two!
Me: I must ask how you got away from the North Pole this time of year. Aren’t things incredibly busy there this close to Christmas?
With a twinkle in his eye, he replied.
Santa: I’ll let you in on a little secret. Mrs. Claus does A LOT more than bake cookies. She is the Chief Operating Officer and actually runs the North Pole. She keeps track of who’s on the Naughty and Nice Lists throughout the year. You know children can switch back and forth from being on either list. It’s a lot to keep up with, but I invented and built the All-Seeing Telescope that tracks the changes. Then, right before Flight Night, we review the final list together. Mrs. Claus was actually happy to get me out from under her feet and calls this type of thing public relations. You know what they say, behind every successful man is a strong, intelligent woman.
Me: Can you tell us more about the All-Seeing Telescope? What does it do?
Santa: It’s the most powerful telescope in the world. It’s designed to see around the curvature of the earth. One time I even saw myself in it! The telescope can see through walls and has an exciting feature called the Receiving Antenna that can pick up voices from anywhere in the world and translate them into Elvish. Under the supervision of Mrs. Claus, the elves are responsible for taking the information from the All-Seeing Telescope and transcribing it into the Naughty and Nice Lists.
Me: Tell me more about the elves?
Santa: The elves are magical, mysterious creatures who are very loyal to me, Mrs. Claus and each other. They have kind hearts and are hard workers, but they do love surprise parties! They will throw a party at the drop of a hat. In fact, one day I went to take a bath. I took off my hat and dropped it to the floor. As soon as I stepped into the hot, steamy water, some of those sneaky elves jumped out of the towel closets and right into the tub shouting, “Surprise!” Needless to say, I was surprised! Because of this, I had to proclaim a North Pole ordinance that it is illegal for anyone, including me, to drop their hat!
Me: Oh my, they sound mischievous. That sounds like a toddler I know! I’ve always wondered, how do the reindeer fly? Is it magic?
Santa: Not magic at all. The secret is actually science – a combination of aerodynamics, a special diet, and energy from the Northern Lights. Remember, North Pole reindeer are a different species than what you will find in the rest of the world. I could go into details but it would require a lot more time than we have today.
Me: Do you have a favorite reindeer?
Santa: Reindeer are like children. You can’t have a favorite one. I have many that are dear to me (he says with a chuckle and wink). I learned to fly with Zephyr first. He holds a special place in my heart. He’s retired from the rigor of Flight Night, but he has an important role in training the younger ones. Like children, reindeer have unique personalities and characteristics. Similar to the elves, there are thousands of reindeer. Of course, everyone always wants to know about the ones in the song. It’s true that Rudolph has a glowing red nose – how he got it is a whole other story. Dasher and Comet are wicked fast. Dasher loves green chile! Comet enjoys anything Western, especially John Wayne. Dancer is agile and listens to reggae and funk music. Prancer and Vixen (both female) are great navigators and keep us on target. Prancer loves to read and Vixen enjoys a good joke. Cupid’s upbeat mood is contagious. True to their names, Donner can absorb thunder and Blitzen lightning, keeping us safe. They are both very strong. Reindeer absolutely love cookies and milk. Not so much the carrots that are left out on Christmas Eve.
Me: Of course, Prancer and Vixen, the female reindeer are the best navigators.
Santa, one last question. What motivates you to bring joy and inspire hope in children of the world?
Santa: Thank you for that question! I know not everyone believes in me or the North Pole or the reindeer. And that’s okay. It’s not about us. At Christmastime, people tend to be more kind, more generous, more loving, and unselfish. They share with others, and it makes them feel happy. They give and give and don’t expect anything in return.
Christmastime is the most wonderful time of the year, but why can’t we make the whole year like that? Why can’t we be loving and sharing all year – even when others aren’t loving and sharing back?
That’s what motivates me. I want to inspire that loving and sharing attitude in others and hope they carry it all year and always. That, and the fact that I think children are the greatest thing on earth!
With that, he stood up, gave his full belly a pat, and winked at me. As he left the ice cream parlor he said with a chuckle, “The team and I are looking forward to your biscochitos this year!”
Keep up with Santa and find out where he will be around Albuquerque on his Facebook page.
