Santa Claus reveals what kids want most for Christmas this year: An interview with SANTA

What sort of presents are children asking for this year?

 

 A lot of them want iPhones and computers – things like that. A lot of the girls are asking for Anna and Elsa dolls (characters from the animated film, "Frozen"). They're pretty popular.

 

A lot of the boys want monster trucks and ATV's. Some of the bigger kids want clothes.

Trains are always popular with both girls and boys.

 

I ask them if they've been good, but I tell them "We'll see what we can do. I don't know if the elves have made that many (of the requested item) but we're working on it."

 

Do you have a lot of elves helping you make all those toys?

 

Yes, we have a lot of elves, and they are a pretty jolly bunch. They make fun out of the work, actually wondering who is getting what.

 

 Do all the requests involve toys or clothes?

 

Sometimes I hear about a family member who doesn't have good health, and the children ask that they be made better -- make their grandpa not have cancer. And I tell them we will pray for them.

 

Also, a lot of their family members are overseas in the military and they'd like to have them home. They're missed.

 

What about that list of who's naughty and nice? Do you actually keep track?

 

Certainly! The elves help me to keep track, and the Elf on the Shelf helps to make sure the children are being good.

 

Sometimes children leave you some cookies and milk. Which cookie delights you the most?

Chocolate chip because that's everybody's favorite. I usually ask the children what their favorite cookie is, and I say, "That sounds good to me." That way, if Santa can't eat them all, they'll have some for themselves.

 

You rely heavily on the reindeer to get you to your destinations. Which one is your favorite?

 

Rudolph because he's the lead reindeer. He's been with me the longest, but they're all very important to me. They are very eager to get hooked up to the sleigh. There's nine, including Rudolph.

 

Does Rudolph actually have a glowing red nose?

 

Certainly – it comes in handy on foggy nights.

 

What do you do during the year when you aren't visiting with children? Do you ever take some time off?

 

We're very busy making toys and getting new ideas for the children. We also take care of the reindeer there at the North Pole.

 

We get started on making new toys after the first of the year. The elves get a little vacation. Mrs. Claus and I take some time off, too. Mrs. Claus works pretty hard and her job is just as hectic as mine.

 

How is Mrs. Claus doing? What does she do when you are out delivering presents?

 

Mrs. Claus is pretty healthy – and busy, too.   When I take off with the reindeer, we communicate and keep an eye on the weather and everything.

 

What would you most like to tell the children of the world?

 

I'd like them to just be good and respect their elders – their parents and grandparents and to help make the world a better place for everybody.

 

 

Linda Kinsey at lkinsey@cleveland.com.

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