The North Pole may be the busiest place in the world at this time of year. Beginning in December, Santa Claus and his team of Elves kick their operation into high gear to fill wishes from children all over the world. The Big Island Times got a rare interview to learn more about his operation and plans this year.
BIT: Thanks for letting us talk to you Santa Claus. You usually are very hard to find, so what’s different this year?
Santa Claus: The main thing is that many children were not in school part of the year because of the virus, and may be wondering if Christmas will even happen. Of course, nothing can stop Christmas, and nothing can stop me and my team from delivering presents on time. I want to make all kids everywhere know that I am still coming to their homes on Christmas Eve. So be prepared.
BIT: You mean be sure to leave a light on?
Santa Claus: No, I mean be sure to leave me some cookies on a plate. And hopefully something really good to wash them down with—ask your parents what they like to drink late at night. Carrots for my reindeer is a good idea too.
BIT: Do you read all of the letters children send you? What’s a good example of what children are asking for this year?
Santa Claus: Sure do. Or their parents tell me. For example, three kids from the Penny family in Hawi sent me their requests. Axel asked for a big Ninjago Lego set that we are working on right now. His brother Knox asked for a remote control race car that can go in the water. And we have something extra special for their little brother, Eli.
So I plan to be at the Penny house late at night to deliver the goods. Did I mention I like cookies on a plate?
BIT: Yes, you said that.
Santa Claus: And the chaser, I mentioned that too, right?
BIT: Yes, we got that too. Is it true that you know who has been naughty and who has been nice?
Santa Claus: Oh sure. I have a book with the names of every kid who has been naughty. Fortunately, I have an even bigger book of every kid who has been nice. My elves do most of the research on this. They used to have to interview neighbors, but nowadays the Internet makes the job easier. So we always have a pretty good idea.
BIT: Can a child who is on the naughty list get on the nice list in time for Christmas? How do they do that?
Santa Claus: Yes, and the good news is that there is still time left before I load up the sleigh to start delivering toys. All a kid has to do is be nice to someone every day until Christmas. That can undo anything bad they’ve done this year. Of course, I expect them to keep being nice to people after Christmas, because there is always next Christmas to worry about.
BIT: Does that work for everyone?
Santa Claus: No. A few groups have to go through a different process; politicians, bank robbers, people like that.
BIT: OK, so back to the Penny family—I am guessing everyone in that home is listed in your Nice book instead of your Naughty book?
Santa Claus: Yes, I know that Axel was pretty good this year. Same for Knox and Eli. That means they can expect a great Christmas. I’m not sure about their Dad, he’s not a politician is he? I’ll double-check that.
BIT: What’s the best part of your job?
Santa Claus: Besides the free cookies?
BIT: Right, other than free cookies. What keeps you going every Christmas?
Santa Claus: Love. I love Christmas, and kids and spreading happiness in the world. It’s not about the toys really. We can whip them out, no problem. But the elves and I are fueled every day by knowing we can bring happiness into the world. We need a little more of that right now, and every kid who spreads joy to others can expect to be rewarded at Christmas, and every other day too.
BIT: Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you and Mrs. Claus. Any last words for the kids who will read this?
Santa Claus: You are going to write about the cookies, right?
BIT: We will get that in, for sure.
Santa Claus: Then we are all good. Merry Christmas everyone!