Brant Beacon’s dedicated reporter, Kimberly de Jong, travelled to the North Pole for an exclusive sleigh-side chat with the one and only, Santa Claus.
Santa shared some insight into the happenings at the North Pole, what he and Mrs. Claus like to do on their time off, the reindeers’ preference of snacks, and the true meaning of Christmas.
After sharing just a few of his secrets, Santa and Kimberly jumped in his sleigh, taking off at the speed of light, and getting back to Brantford just in the nick of time for the annual Santa Claus Parade. Check out Kimberly’s conversation with Jolly Old St. Nick.
Santa, how are you feeling about the holiday season this year?
“Oh, I am just so excited! It’s a busy time of year at the North Pole, but Christmas is the time for everybody to have fun and so the whole workshop is just buzzing with anticipation.”
And what is your favourite part about Christmas Eve?
“Well, Christmas Eve is a little bit of a hard job for me, I’ve got a whole world to travel and kids in every other country who are waiting for me but my favourite part of Christmas Eve is when the reindeer take flight. There’s something special about how the magic, excitement and joy just fills the night sky. The suspense for Christmas morning just buzzes around the sleigh!”
Speaking of the reindeer, I’ve heard rumors that sometimes they can be a little bit mischievous with all the games they play, is that true?
“Oh, yes, as you can see, Donner and Blitzen have all sorts of energy right now. See, not many people know this, but reindeer are quite independent because of course, they only work one day a year. Once they’re out of their stables, it’s really their time to show what they’ve got and they can get a little rambunctious so sometimes we have to sort of pull in the reins a little bit to keep them focused.”
And now, I know the ten of you must get a lot of snacks throughout the night, do any of you ever tire of all those cookies and carrots?
“Well, it’s no secret that I absolutely love cookies, they’re great to help keep my energy up throughout the night but Mrs. Claus always suggests that I shouldn’t indulge too much for fear I may spoil my breakfast. Any time I’m starting to hit my limit for the night, I like to share my cookies with Prancer and Vixen because they both have quite the sweet tooth. Now, lots of children will leave carrots for the reindeer, which they love and never tire of – I think it’s a texture thing – but surprisingly enough, they also love when the children leave them some fruit as well because it helps keep them hydrated.”
The holiday season is no doubt a busy time, how do you and your elves stay on top of all the work?
“I must say, the elves are very efficient… I think it’s all the cocoa they drink. We like to try and have everything prepared and sorted for the current Christmas season by the end of November so I don’t have to worry about a single thing while I’m out visiting all the parades and malls throughout December. My elves are constantly working and so starting December 1, every time I go out for one of my pre-Christmas events, they’ll be working on getting the classic presents ready and test driving all the new models for next year. I’m always impressed with their Christmas spirit, such organization and dedication those elves have!”
With all the work happening at the North Pole, is there ever a time where Mr. and Mrs. Claus get some time to themselves?
“Well we always throw a big party for everyone on Christmas morning and then afterwards, Mrs. Claus and I pack a suitcase and head out on a trip for just the two of us.”
That’s great to hear, it’s nice to have a moment to recharge! Do you two have any favourite spots in particular that you like to visit?
“We like to sometimes go down south to try and catch a tan, although I always come back with a face that matches my red suit; Mrs. Claus never forgets the aloe! Now, it’s hard to choose a favourite spot but we particularly love Greece and Indonesia, South America, Australia and New Zealand too.”
Now Santa, I know this might be a sensitive question for you but, with all the magic you bring to the world, do you ever find it hard when there are people who don’t believe in you? How do you keep the holiday spirit alive for them?
“It can certainly be hard to hear that but when a child tells me about their older sibling or their Aunt Mary saying that I’m not real, I always ask them ‘well, do you believe in yourself?’ and when they say yes, I let them know that I believe in them too. I’ve learned over the years that no matter what people say, if you can remember to believe in yourself, then that’s what helps to keep the holiday spirit alive… that’s what makes me real!”
So Christmas isn’t just all about the presents you get? There’s more to it?
“That’s right! Presents, no matter how big or small, are a fun addition to the holiday, but the true meaning of Christmas is all about hope, kindness, happiness and the prospects of a new year. It’s all about coming together and celebrating with the people you love. It’s a time to be compassionate, not only with ourselves but with others as well. We all need to remember that when we’re talking to other people, they have feelings and so we should try to treat them the way we would like to be treated, with compassion and kindness. Now, that’s the true spirit of Christmas!”
What is the best part about coming to the County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River and Brantford on Christmas Eve?
“I don’t know if you’ve ever seen it from above, but I really like passing over the Grand River because it’s just such a magnificent site to see,” he said. “I love passing over the region and seeing all the lights. Paris’ Lions park is always so festive and you can see the Glenhyrst Art Gallery lit up like a Christmas tree from miles away and it’s just beautiful!”
