March 29, 2024

Interview with St. Nick

With less than two weeks until Christmas, Santa Claus is making a final appearance in Creston 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Creston's Restored Depot on behalf of a cause he said is special to his heart — Creston Animal Rescue Effort.

Photos with Santa will be available for $3 and will help care for displaced and abandoned animals as they wait for a new home. A gift and bake sale will also take place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the mealsite.

Santa said he's never been busier, but, took a few moments out of his hectic holiday schedule Thursday to give Creston News Advertiser an inside look on life behind the beard.

CNA: I know you are busy and we really appreciate your time. Has it been challenging preparing for Christmas this year?

Santa: Yeah, it has, because we haven't had this much snow (before). So, I haven't been able to get out and test the sleigh and my reindeer.

CNA: How many hours have have you been working?

Santa: When it gets to be this time of year, I tell ya, we work around the clock up there at the North Pole.

CNA: How does your wife handle things with you working so many hours?

Santa: Mrs. Claus tries to keep me on a diet because she knows I am going to be eating so many cookies later.

CNA: Is there anything special you do for Mrs. Claus to make it up to her?

Santa: I really try to treat her special all throughout the rest of the year. You know, even Santa Claus has a "honey do" list.

CNA: Is it true you keep a naughty and nice list?

Santa: Oh, definitely.

CNA: Has anyone in Creston made the naughty list?

Santa: Unfortunately, there are always a few. But, I don't want to name names.

CNA: How is it possible to make so many appearances leading up to Christmas?

Santa: I think most people realize that Santa can't be everywhere at once. He does have some stand-ins to help him out.

CNA: How do you travel to so many places in just one night?

Santa: Part of it is top secret, kind of like the government. I can't let out all of the trade secrets. A few of my elves, a lot of people don't know this, have worked for NASA. We have a few rockets on the sleigh. They have suped up my sleigh over the years.

CNA: Who is your biggest gift competitor?

Santa: You know, they (retail stores) all try, but, nobody can quite compete with my elves. We've got quite a production team up there. We kind of let Amazon and Walmart think they are bigger than us.

CNA: Have you heard of the Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his plan for the future of delivery by drone? Does it worry you?

Santa: Not too much. I have a pretty strong fan base.

CNA: Do you read all of your letters?

Santa: Oh, definitely. It takes a lot of time. The children are very important to Santa. Santa can't give them everything, but, I try to make a special effort to see what I can do.

CNA: What is your favorite cookie?

Santa: I am not too biased when it comes to sweets. Oatmeal chocolate chip. The reindeer kind of like the oats, too. I try to keep them off the chocolate chips.

CNA: Other than Mrs. Claus, do you have other family?

Santa: We have been so busy we've never had children of our own. We like to think of all the children around the world as our family.

CNA: What is the strangest gift request you've received?

Santa: I had a little girl, and I asked her what she would like for Christmas. She said, "I'd like to have a new brother." I said, "Oh, are you expecting a baby brother soon?" She said, "No, I just don't like the one I have. I want a different one." And, that is a true story.

CNA: What is the most popular toy request this year?

Santa: I'd have to say one of the new PS4s.

CNA: What is the secret to getting what you really want for Christmas?

Santa: Definitely being good all throughout the year. You can't trick Santa and tell him you've been nice. You have to really walk the walk.

CNA: How do you define being good?

Santa: Be good to your parents and to the other little kids, helping out and doing chores when your parents ask you, cleaning up your room, your toys, being kind to others and being respectful to your teachers.

CNA: Why did you choose to be part of Creston Animal Rescue Effort's event Saturday?

Santa: Santa likes trains. And, Creston has a long history of trains. Next to sleighs, the next big thing Santa likes are trains. Santa also obviously loves animals because of his reindeer. A lot of times Santa has gotten requests for puppies and kittens for Christmas. There's nothing that makes Santa happier than seeing pets that are needing a home finding a good home that really loves them, wants to take care of them and make them part of their family.

CNA: What is your favorite part of the holiday season?

Seeing the joy and happiness people truly enjoying the spirit of Christmas, being with families, remembering the reason for the season and just expressing the cheer and truly enjoying the moment and being happy. It's just a beautiful time of year.