It’s a very busy time of year for this jolly fellow but because we’ve been on his nice list this year, Santa agreed to an exclusive sit down chat with The Water Cooler.
Santa, how on Earth do you get all of this done every year?
Look, I get a lot of credit this time of year but it’s a group effort. I have help from my reindeer, from my mates that have photos with all the families at the shopping centres, the parents, Mrs Claus and of course, my elves. But let me tell you, those elves like to party so I have to run a tight ship to make sure those presents get made in time. Last year we lost a whole crate of fidget spinners because Peppermint, my head elf was playing hide and seek and forgot where he left them.
What’s your milk and cookie of choice?
A lot of people don’t know this but I’m actually lactose intolerant so I much prefer Nutty Bruce’s coconut and almond milk or better yet, a Christmas cocktail. Cookie choice is crucial. It can make or break my entire year. I’ve had everything from a Tim Tam to a choc-chip, a VoVo to a ginger snap. Although some parents leave me the orange creams that no-one wants from the Arnott’s selection which frankly, is quite rude. My favourite cookie is the one that is home baked with love. And don’t forget the reindeers! I normally feed them carrots but I picked up a great tip from Dr Chris Brown on The Living Room. Turns out reindeer love glitter oats! Who knew??
A lot parents seem to call you directly if their kids are misbehaving. Is that disrupting your workflow?
I don’t know who gave out my personal mobile to the parents. I suspect it was a Facebook community group. Nonetheless, we are always happy to help! I have all calls diverted to my elves to manage in the first instance. It only gets escalated to me in extreme cases such as the kids not eating their vegetables.
Has there ever been a time where a kid has managed to stay up all night and spot you?
Some have come close but Ninja like reflexes have got me out of some pretty sticky situations. One of my elves, Tinsel always travels with me in the Sleigh. She cases the living room to make sure the coast is clear before I deliver the presents. But if we see that the kids are still awake, Tinsel will always create a diversion with the reindeer so I can get in and out undetected. Works like a charm.
