The North Pole is certainly buzzing with activity at this time of year! Santa Claus and his dedicated team of Elves ramp up their efforts to fulfil the wishes of children around the globe. But the editorial team at Bookazine was fortunate enough to secure a rare interview with the man himself, Santa.
Greetings, Santa! It’s a delight to meet you, and we appreciate you taking time out of your hectic schedule to answer some questions from our Bookazine readers. To kick things off, may I ask:
What do you prefer to be called: Santa Claus, Santy, or Nick?
Just call me Santa! If you want to be formal, Santa Claus works just fine. As for Mrs. Claus, well, that’s our little inside joke!
Are you still using a sleigh? Have you ever considered switching to a car?
Using a car here at the North Pole wouldn’t be very practical. It’s not the most efficient mode of transport, nor is it eco-friendly. However, I have been eyeing a Tesla. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll have Elon Musk craft a Tesla sleigh just for me!
Why do you choose to wear red and white?
I wear red so I can easily be spotted against the snowy backdrop of the North Pole. It helps my elves find me if I happen to wander off! Plus, I must say, red is quite flattering—it goes perfectly with my nose! Ho, ho, ho!
How do you manage to deliver all those gifts in a single night?
Ah, I can’t divulge all my secrets! Let’s just say that a little help makes a big difference.
Do you have a favorite region to visit when delivering gifts?
Ho, ho, ho! I love visiting every part of the world! Everywhere I go—from deserts to mountains, jungles to bustling cities—everyone is so excited to see me, and that joy is what makes each stop special.
Is it true that you know who’s been naughty and who’s been nice?
Absolutely! I keep a record of every child’s behaviour. Thankfully, my nice list is much longer than my naughty list! My elves do a lot of the research for me. They used to gather information from neighbours, but the Internet has made it all much simpler. So, we usually have a good idea of who's who!
Can a child on the naughty list redeem themselves in time for Christmas?
Yes, they can! And thankfully, there’s still time before I start loading up the sleigh! All a child needs to do is show kindness to someone every day until Christmas. That can help wipe the slate clean. Of course, I expect them to continue spreading kindness after Christmas too, because there’s always next year to think about!
But how do you manage to visit all those homes in just one night? It sounds impossible!
After many years of practice, I’ve learned that with hard work, dedication, and a bit of help, anything is possible. It’s a monumental task, but I have an amazing team of elves who keep everything running smoothly.
Do you have a favorite toy this Christmas? Are traditional toys making a comeback, or is technology taking over?
Ah, the classics will always hold a special place in my heart! There’s always a demand for dolls, action figures, and board games. However, I must admit, the new tech toys are quite impressive—especially the drones! Yet, on Christmas Eve, nothing compares to a classic wooden toy, a delightful book, or a traditional puzzle. It's all about finding a balance: tech for fun, and timeless toys and books for that warm nostalgia.
What advice do you have for parents searching for the "perfect" gift this holiday season?
Ah, the quest for the perfect gift is a noble one! My simple advice is to focus on what brings joy. Look for toys that encourage creativity, spark curiosity, or provide educational value—that’s where the real magic lies. And remember, sometimes the best surprises come from unexpected gifts!
Do you have time to read? What’s your favourite book?
Oh, I absolutely love books! Especially those that inspire imagination and joy. Lately, my favorite reads are the letters I receive from children—they help me understand their wishes, hopes, and dreams.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Besides the endless supply of cookies? Only kidding of course. I absolutely love Christmas, children and spreading happiness to the world. It’s not just about the toys. The elves and I are fuelled every day by knowing we can bring happiness into the world. And we need a little bit more of that right now, and every child who spreads joy can expect to be rewarded, not just at Christmas, but every day of the year.
Thank you so much, Santa! Merry Christmas to you and Mrs. Claus! Do you have any final thoughts for the children reading this?
Merry Christmas to all the wonderful kids in Hong Kong!
And let’s not forget about families who may be facing tough times. Every little bit helps—whether it’s sharing a warm meal, donating toys, or simply offering a friendly smile. Your kindness can make a world of difference! 🌍❤️