Editors note: Associate editor John Dempsey and staff writer Denise Massie recently had the opportunity to sit down with Santa Claus before his big night of work on Christmas Eve.



Pharos-Tribune: What show offered the best portrayal of Santa Claus?

Santa Claus: The 1947 version of “Miracle on 34th Street.” Edmund Gwenn gave a superb performance with a very young Natalie Wood and Maureen O’Hara. It’s the only version I’ll watch.



P-T: Do you need our lights on so you can see our houses?

SC: Well, the reindeer really do enjoy the carrots many of you leave them and those carrots help their eyesight. But, your lights are very important because they help the reindeer land safely on the roofs.



P-T: What do you prefer in the way of a snack?

SC: As you can obviously tell, I’m not the biggest health food fanatic. My favorite snack? I would have to say homemade cookies — chocolate chip and peanut butter — preferably with a nice glass of milk. I burn a lot of calories on Christmas night.

And please, don’t forget the reindeer! Their job is actually even tougher than mine. Carrots are preferred, but if you can make a bowl of warm oatmeal cereal with some carrots, that’s best. They need the carbohydrates to make it back home.



P-T: Normally male reindeer have no antlers during December. Do you use Krazy Glue to keep their antlers in place, or are Dancer, Prancer and the others actually female?

SC: Ho, ho, ho. Now that’s a good one. No, they’re really male reindeer. But, remember, like me, they’re rather magical.



P-T: Why do you choose to live in a place that is freezing?

SC: Many people ask me this question. I really enjoy living in the North Pole. The cold temperatures remind me of my favorite time of the year, Christmas. Besides, it is the only place in the world that allows me enough space to store all the toys made during the year and provide housing for all my elves who work so hard for me.



P-T: Do you ever get cold?

SC: Since I live in sub-zero temperatures, I could easily get cold. However, thanks to my hand-made insulated and heated suits, I am able to stay warm most of the time. At night, I simply use several of the warmest blankets I can find. Of course, Mrs. Claus likes to steal some of the covers from me, but don’t tell her I told you that!



P-T: How do you get into houses that don’t have a chimney and how do you fit down the ones that have a chimney?

SC: A good magician never shares his or her secrets, nor can I share my secrets on toy-delivery methods. All I can say is it does involve a little magic.



P-T: How long does it take to make all of those toys?

SC: Hmmm. Let me think about this one. If I have 500 elves working on all the toys and each one works a full work week, it takes up to 306 days. I like to give all of the elves Christmas Day off, in addition to each Sunday and the week after Christmas. I need all of them working full force during the year to make sure we make the hectic Christmas deadline!



P-T: Do the elves get paid for their hard work?

SC: I have always paid the elves with free room and board. They also earn three square-meals a day, which helps them keep their energy. As a bonus, we always make sure the best dessert is available and a very fun working atmosphere.



P-T: Where do you like to vacation?

SC: During my one week of vacation, I like to escape to somewhere sunny and warm. Don’t get me wrong, I love the snow, but I do need an occasional break to lay out in the sand every once and awhile. I prefer somewhere a little more secluded, though, because I’m a little shy when I’m not in my trademark red suit.



P-T: Which reindeer is truly your favorite?

SC: Let’s see. There’s Donner, Cupid, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Comet, Blitzen, Vixen and Rudolph. All of the reindeer have become very special to me. I don’t think I could pick one favorite because each one has something special and unique.



P-T: What is your criteria in determining who’s naughty and who’s nice?

SC: With so many children living all around the world and even more being born everyday, I depend on a lot of help from parents. I have a magnificent radio, which tunes into certain households when it hears keywords. For those children who are being extra naughty, I depend on their parents to let me know. I try to let those who are bad make up for it before Christmas comes, so I don't have to give anyone a lump of coal!



P-T: Anything else you would like to add?

SC: Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!