The following is a feature article from the December issue of Different View

The following is a feature article from the December issue of Different View, The "Official" Trade Magazine read by little people and “Intelligent” big people. We thank the editors and publisher for permission to reprint it here.

The Holiday Season is fast approaching and the editorial team at Different View realized we had never done a one-to-one interview with our leader, Santa Claus. This being our first year in publication we knew it was important to have an interview with the “big guy“ for our December issue.

We put together a list of questions many children ask, plus a few of our own, and assigned our top reporter, Biff Liam to catch up with Santa and learn more about his life, his experiences and what we might be looking for this year. °

What a great Assignment! Interview Santa Claus! It’s one of those special assignments that every reporter yearns for.

It was mid-August and I learned Santa was going to be in Southern California where he and Mrs. Claus were planning to attend a gift and toy show at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

One of the advantages of working for Different View is the opportunity to travel at company expense. So a few of the feature team and I hopped a flight to Los Angeles and booked a suite at the beautiful Westin Bonaventure Hotel were the ‘big guy” joined us for an open, no-holds-barred, interview.

Santa told us he would meet us mid day, while Mrs. Claus was guest of honor at a society luncheon and fashion show.

We are not used to seeing Santa away from his workshop at the North Pole and were quite surprised when he arrived wearing tailored Perry Ellis green wool slacks, a red Diane von Furstenberg shirt with a special “Save the Children” tie and topped by a red Hugo Boss camel hair sports coat. The first question had to be about his wardrobe.

DV: It’s great to catch up with you. But we have to ask, “Where did this new look come from and why?” SC: Well, Mrs. Claus makes or selects my entire wardrobe. She always has. What do you think? She says this is the “Regis” look. You know, the fellow from that ‘millionaire’ show. The weather here in Southern California and most of the United States is very warm in the summer. My normal winter suit of velvet and fur was much too warm for the summer. In fact it is almost too warm for some December days when it gets up into the 80's. We knew we would be visiting the states this summer and Mrs. Claus said I needed a new wardrobe.

DV: What does Santa do after the Holidays? SC: Well, during the weeks before Christmas Santa visits with thousands of children their families, and friends. In doing so Santa gives up the time he has to spend with Loved Ones. So, in the days after Christmas and through the New Year, Mrs. Claus and I enjoy a belated Holiday Season with family, the elves and some close friends. It’s a little like a vacation. Then it’s time to begin the planning for next Christmas.

DV: What do Santa and Mrs. Claus do during the spring and summer? SC: Santa and Mrs. Claus take a vacation each spring and summer. We like to see different parts the world. In past years we visited parts of Europe, Africa, the central and eastern parts of the North America, parts of South America and the Caribbean. This year we visited Canada, Mexico and the Western parts of the United States. Next year, we are planning to visit Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and some of the Asian countries. I also give speeches and make presentations at conventions and meetings.

DV: If Santa never ages, why does he look old? SC: Santa only appears to be old. I am really a kid at heart! Sometimes, Mrs. Claus says I’m really a kid in disguise!

DV: Well How old are you really? And when is Santa’s birthday? SC: Well, lets just say Santa stopped counting at 550 and leave it at that! There have been many men who have been called Santa Claus, or Kris Kringle, and of course Saint Nicolas. Most people around the world celebrate my Birthday on the feast of Saint Nicolas, every December 6.

DV: Well, lets get down to business and to the questions everyone wants to know. How do the reindeer fly? SC: A long time ago, Santa and his helpers discovered magical oats and corn. When the reindeer eat the oats and the corn, the deer become able to fly and leap high into the air. But, what’s amazing they can only fly on Christmas Eve or in an emergency! Although they are very special reindeer, each with a unique trait, they are normal reindeer the rest of the year.

DV: Does Rudolph always lead the sleigh? SC: Rudolph is almost always the lead reindeer thanks to his wonderful bright nose!

DV: Is Rudolph's nose really red? And, why is Rudolph’s nose so bright? SC: It certainly is! And does it ever shine. No one really knows what causes this rare condition, but some say His nose is so bright because he was touched by Christmas magic, which made his nose so red and shiny.

DV: What are the names of Santa’s reindeer? SC: The reindeer that pull the sleigh are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen, and of course — Rudolph. There are many other reindeer living at the North Pole but it would take hours to list them all.

DV: How many reindeer are in the North Pole? And, what do they do besides pull the sleigh and play games? SC: Besides the reindeer that pull the sleigh, there are lots of other reindeer living at the North Pole -- too many for even Santa to count or keep track of these days.

DV: I know it is still a little early, but what are the children asking for this Christmas? SC: Well, this year I am surprised to see G.I. Joe has become so popular. Plus there are the Razor type scooters, computers, laptops, PlayStations, Remote Control cars, and of course lots of dolls, toy trucks, hot wheels, and even clothes.

DV: What is the most difficult request a child has ever given you? SC: The most difficult request a child ever bring to Santa is usually to bring the separated or divorced parents back together. You look into the eyes of the child and know their request is most sincere, and yet it is one which you cannot give a good answer. It is always a difficult request.

DV: What do you say to the child? SC: Santa has to be truthful. I tell the child this is a wish that is beyond Santa’s powers. I usually tell the child I wish the best to them and both of their parents.

DV: On Christmas Eve, why can’t children ever see Santa, his elves, the Sleigh or the Reindeer? SC: On Christmas Eve and Day, Santa, the sleigh and reindeer all have Christmas magic and move very quickly. Sometimes, if you are very good, you “might” catch a glimpse of an elf!

DV: How does Santa’s sleigh make it around the world in one day? SC: Through a combination, of lots of practice and hard work, judicious use of time zones, and a little Christmas magic, Santa and the reindeer always make it in time.

DV: Clement Moore's poem, "A Visit from Saint Nicolas," describes you as "chubby and plump," but you don't really look that plump. Why is that? SC: Well I do have a little belly, but I am not too chubby. Mrs. Claus and some of my elves constantly push me to keep in good shape. I do get to eat almost anything I like, but I try not to eat too much. One reason I always look so chubby is my winter wardrobe.

DV: Tell us about the Wardrobe. What do you wear on Christmas Eve? SC: Well I start with a good pair of wool long johns and two pairs of thermal socks. Over this I wear a nice plaid wool shirt, a pair of thermal lined red pants with large red Firemen's suspenders and a large pair of fur-trimmed boots. And, I top all of this with my traditional fur trimmed coat and a pair of fur-lined, leather gloves. When I get to the really cold areas, I change to a pair of special fur-lined boots, and add a large red, fur-lined, hooded overcoat. So you see, once I get all dressed up, I do look chubby and plump!

DV: What kind of snack does Santa like left out for him? SC: Santa loves cookies, of course. But, Santa loves all kinds of food. He is always happy to try anything a child thinks he might like. After all...he visits children all over the world! Sometimes I find baklava, or maybe it will be homemade tamales. I never know what kind of treats I will find. Sometimes I also find carrots, apples and hay for the reindeer! But to answer your question, most children pick their favorite kind of cookie or snack. The most popular treat left out for me has to be home made cookies accompanied by a glass of milk?

DV: How many cookies do you eat? SC: Lots and lots. I’m not sure if I can count high enough, but I eat a lot of cookies even though Mrs. Claus keeps urging me to cut back on the number. Last year I think I ate too many. For a while I felt a little tired and slow because of the sheer number of them, so this year I may eat a little less at each home.

DV: What kind of milk should a child leave out for Santa? SC: Mrs. Claus is very concerned about Santa's health, so she would prefer skim milk for Santa's treat. However, Santa will drink almost any kind of milk except buttermilk. Sometimes I even find a glass of Coca-Cola or a glass of nutmeg topped plain eggnog.

DV: How does Santa know whether a child has been naughty or mice? SC: Santa maintains his naughty and nice list (now computerized, by the way), with the help of all the elves who keep track of each person — most people probably aren't even aware the elves are around you, but elves have a special way of keeping an eye on you. Sometimes if you look quickly enough they *might* catch one peering in a window or around a corner, but you would have to be very fast and very good! Santa also checks in with parents, guardians and teachers to get updates on whether a child has been good or bad.

DV: Children ask you for many things. Why doesn’t Santa always bring a child what they asked for? SC: Thanks to the elves and the children’s gift lists, Santa usually knows what presents they would like to receive. Sometime a child is too young or too small for a particular toy. However, Santa also hears from parents, family, and guardians, who have other special things in mind. Also, Santa does not like to bring a gift he knows a parent, etc., would prefer a child not to have - such as a horse, or a space shuttle, or other gift that would not be appropriate.

DV: Why does Santa Claus climb down the chimney? SC: Santa first began climbing down the chimney for Dutch children. Similarly, the switches I leave for naughty children originated with the Dutch. My red suit trimmed with white fur originates from the bishop’s mitre and cape worn by the Dutch Saint Nicolas.

DV: What does Santa do when a house does not have a chimney or there is a fire burning in the fireplace? SC: Santa likes to keep a few things secret so he can always surprise the children he is visiting — all I can say is I use a little magic and, I “always” find a way!

DV: How many kids do you deliver to? SC: We delivery to millions and millions of good children around the world who believe in Santa Claus. The number changes every year because there are always children being born.

DV: Does Santa really need snow to make his Christmas deliveries? SC: No, Santa does not need snow everywhere to make deliveries. As long as there is snow somewhere in the world (and there always is) the deliveries will go through! After all, Santa delivers to Florida, California, and parts of Europe, Asia, Central America, South America, Africa and other areas that have no snow. However, snow always makes it very beautiful, and I always love seeing the homes with holiday lights nestled in the snow.

DV: Has Santa ever missed a year? SC: No, Santa Claus has not missed Christmas yet. At the North Pole we take many precautions so nothing can go wrong on Christmas Eve. After so many years of practice we have plans for everything. There have bee. some close calls as you may see on television, but everyone here loves Christmas so much that we all work extra hard to make sure Christmas is as fun as it is supposed to be.

DV: How many gifts can Santa's bag hold? SC: Exactly one more than all the people in the world.

DV: How many toys do you make in one day? 100? 40? 90? 50? SC: The only correct answer is, it depends. Some toys such as a set of wooden blocks takes much less time than a more complex toy such as a truck or car. So, the elves who make complex toys tend to make fewer per day than the elves who work on other toys. The real important point to remember, is each toy is given with lots of love!

DV: Why are many of our Christmas gifts wrapped with paper? SC: This tradition began centuries ago as part of the custom of “Secret Giving.” There is something very special about making or buying a gift for someone, wrapping it up, and then secretly leaving it somewhere special for them. It makes you feel very warm and good deep inside, in your heart. Santa loves to see the surprise and joy on our faces when we open our gifts!

DV: Why did Santa choose to deliver presents on Christmas Eve instead of some other day? SC: In most of the modern world, today, Santa delivers gifts on Christmas Eve. But in past centuries, and in different countries, around the globe, gift giving occurred on different days. Depending on customs, culture and religion, gift giving could occur as early as December 6, the feast of Saint Nicolas, or as late as January 6 to celebrate the date when the Magi took gifts to the Christ Child. It could also be at the beginning of the Winter Solstice. But, during the of the 13^th century a new Christian focus move most gift giving to the eve of celebrating the birth of Christ

DV: Our time is just about up. But we have one last question. When will you be back up at the North Pole? SC: Well, I will be visiting malls, schools and hospitals during the days ahead and I will be giving a few speeches. I will also try to see as many children, and their families, as possible before Christmas. Every night I call and check in with my head elves and Mrs. Claus to see how everything is going at the North Pole. They give me an update on toy and gift orders, the health of the reindeer and the status of all preparations for deliveries on Christmas Eve.

DV: Do you have any last words for our readers? SC: At Christmas, everyone knows the last thing I traditionally say is "Merry Christmas to all and To All a Good Night!" During the rest of the year I always say good bye, and sign my letters and email with, "May you Keep the Christmas Spirit All Year Long!" °

Santa then offer his thanks for the opportunity to be interviewed. And, before I could thank him, he was gone, off to catch up with Mrs. Claus. And, probably to check on a few children, to see it they were being good.

This reporter has seen Santa hundreds of times before. But, I really enjoyed this special time to talk to him. I can’t wait to interview him again. I know there are more questions you and I want answers to. °

Story and interview by Biff Liam. Additional research and questions by Sasha Sparkle, Elvin Marker and Binney Leaves. Copyright © Different View Magazine, 2001. Questions or comments can be forwarded via email to: DifferentView@HolidayStreet.com

International University of Santa Claus is a registered service mark of the 34th Street Foundation, Inc.

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An Interview

with Santa!