He delivers presents around the world in one night and somehow he magically knows what every kid wants for Christmas. This famous elf, however, is just a regular guy in some ways. He loves football, hates reality TV shows, loves to sleep and he thinks the Christmas frenzy starts way too early.
And, get this he snores!
Despite his busy schedule, Santa sat down with the Mirror recently to talk about life in the North Pole as well as some hot topics of 2012. The big guy in red didn't hold too much back and he sees a lot of good in store for 2013. (Just don't ask him about the election.)
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Santa Claus sits with Maura Griffin, 6, of Altoona while they go over her Christmas list last week at the Logan Valley Mall in Altoona. Santa sat down for an interview with the Mirror
earlier this month.
Mirror: How do you de-stress in the weeks leading up to Christmas?
Santa: That's real easy. I enjoy doing my job. I don't get stressed.
Mirror: What is your opinion about putting out Christmas decorations right after Halloween?
Santa: I really don't think it's a good idea. Christmas should be done after Thanksgiving. I'm not fond of the stores doing things the way they do them. Thanksgiving isn't out of the way and then they start with Christmas right after Halloween. I think they should have seasons, and the Christmas season comes after Thanksgiving.
I just think they start too early. They rush seasons and then Christmas isn't Christmas anymore. It's all about the money and not the true meaning of Christmas.
Mirror: What is your favorite part about getting ready for Christmas?
Santa: For me, it's getting the toys ready, getting the letters from the children, being able to read what they want and being able to pick out the perfect present for each child.
Mirror: When children sprinkle magic dust on the lawn on Christmas Eve does it really help your reindeer land?
Santa: Yes it does. It's a very good idea. If they mix it with bird seed, the birds can eat it later. And, it does give me a guiding point to their homes.
Mirror: What do you think about this whole "Elf on the Shelf" phenomenon? Do these elves really go back and tell you everything the children have done wrong?
Santa: I really think it's a good idea. I love sending the elves down from the North Pole to watch the children. That frees up my time and they report back to me every night. I definitely take note of that.
Mirror: How much time exactly do you spend in Blair County on Christmas Eve?
Santa: About five minutes in real time. I'm very speedy. I have to do the whole world, so I can't spend a lot of time at any one spot. Being that I go into a time warp, I get to do things quickly.
Mirror: What do you enjoy about our area during the Christmas season?
Santa: The way homes are lit and decorated. I enjoy seeing all the Christmas trees. I also enjoy my cookies and milk.
Mirror: What is your favorite day of the year (next to Christmas) of course?
Santa: The 26th. I get to sit down and sleep the whole day.
Mirror: What do you dress up as for Halloween?
Santa: I don't dress up for Halloween, but we celebrate Halloween at the North Pole, and Thanksgiving and St. Patrick's Day and Valentine's Day all the holidays.
Mirror: This next question is assuming we all made it through the apocalypse Did you do anything differently this year with all the Armageddon talk? Give us your predictions about the end of the world. (Disclaimer: Santa was interviewed on Dec. 11.)
Santa: I do not believe that the world is going to end on 21st. I believe that the end of the world is up to a superior being and the end of the world isn't coming any time soon. Christmas preparations were not any different this year because of all the talk about the end of the world. Christmas is done the same way all the time, and it's been done that way for centuries.
Mirror: Will you be giving a present to the unborn baby of William and Kate?
Santa: Princess Kate will get something special for the unborn baby, like a lot of other mothers do when they're having babies.
Mirror: Did you watch the Olympics?
Santa: Of course!
Mirror: If you were in the Olympics what sport would you most likely medal for?
Santa: Probably shot put, because you have to have a lot of strength and stamina. I would never be able to run because my belly is way too big for that.
Mirror: Let's get political. Who got your vote for president?
Santa: Being that I am a citizen of the United States and every nation, I voted. I'm not going to divulge my vote, though.
Mirror: How do you feel about how you were portrayed in the new movie "The Guardians?" Are you really friends with the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Jack Frost?
Santa: I didn't see the movie, but yes, we are all friends. We have our regular meetings and discuss things.
Mirror: What side of bed do you sleep on?
Santa: I sleep on the left side bed with my beard out from under the covers so it grows.
Mirror: Do you snore?
Santa: Sure, I snore. When Santa's tired, he snores big time.
Mirror: What will you give all this year's top naughty people like Lance Armstrong and General Petraeus?
Santa: Since they're not children, and Santa doesn't bother with too many adults, they most likely won't be getting anything. But, I get really disappointed with people who behave poorly, whether they are adults or children.
Mirror: Coffee or tea?
Santa: Hot chocolate
Mirror: Is Lady Gaga truly talented?
Santa: Next question.
Mirror: What reality shows do you watch?
Santa: I don't watch any reality shows. I don't have time for that.
Mirror: What's your favorite sport to watch? To play?
Santa: Football, to watch and play. We play a lot of football in the North Pole. We have teams between the elves.
Mirror: What's your team of choice? I'm thinking, probably not the Steelers this year, right?
Santa: I watch all football. They're all my kids, so I watch all teams and games.
Mirror: What were the highlights of 2012?
Santa: Everything is important to Santa and there were a lot of wonderful things that happened in 2012, even the small triumphs and joys that happen in families all over the world.
Mirror: What were some of the disappointments?
Santa: I am disappointed in a lot of things this year, but nothing that you can print. Let's focus on the positive.
Mirror: How can you give people hope this Christmas season?
Santa: The magic that's in their hearts should keep them in tune with Christmas and the holidays. Be grateful for the little things that happen every day.
