Santa Answers Your Questions 2009 - Part 1 of 2

You all asked some great questions again this year. Thank you! I going to spread my answers over two days... today and tomorrow... as you asked a lot of good questions and I am really tight on time this week. After you read my answers today, you can click here to read the Q&A from last year as well. I hope you find this informative and entertaining.


Q. Why when you where at the Macy's parade did you say "Happy Thanksgiving" instead of what I have always heard you say "Merry Christmas"? What's wrong with saying Merry Christmas? Isn't that what your about I mean your Santa Claus but don't you and Christmas go together?


A. You must not have heard all of it... I said "Happy Thanksgiving" and "Merry Christmas" interchangeably. It was Thanksgiving, after all. And for the record... there is absolutely nothing wrong with saying "Merry CHRISTmas". In fact, I make a point of saying it rather than Happy Holidays (though on occasion I do say Happy Holidays too). If people stop saying Merry Christmas then we will eventually lose the Christmas holiday altogether. You should check my 15 December 2009 post to see how I feel about so called "political correctness".



Q. Santa, you are known primarily for your generosity to children (I've often heard you referred to as the Patron Saint of Children when people call you St. Nicholas) and have made so many happy with the things you've brought over the years. I'm curious as to what is on Santa's wish list?

A. Thank you for asking. It is very thoughtful of you to be concerned. I really don't want anything material. Realistically, I can have anything material... I have been blessed with the means such that I could either build or acquire virtually anything. What I want most is peace and joy for the world. I know it sounds cliche but it is truly what I want most. Ironically, its one of the few things I can't make happen... if I could, I would have done it years ago. Instead, I just do my part, as small as it may be in the grander scheme. And, of course, selfishly, I want to continue to be loved by those closest to me... I never want to lose their love and admiration.

Q. Do you prefer a certain type of milk?

A. Cow's milk to begin with. And while I like full on milk, I choose to drink fat free milk. It's a choice I make for my health, not for the taste.

Q. I read through the questions from last year, but I'm wondering, did you ever find out how to post pictures? Perhaps I missed something, did you ever get around to posting any?

A. Unfortunately, I did not. I managed with Jingle's help to post a picture of some of the reindeer. Other than that, I haven't figured out how to up load them. Its a shame because I took a lot of pictures through the off season hoping to post them but haven't been able to do so.



Q. My question is....Santa, do you ever get any rest?


A. Yes. Just not between late November and December 25th. I sleep about 2 hours a night during the build-up to Christmas Eve. Don't get me wrong.... I work hard year round. In fact, most week nights during the "off-season", I sleep about 4 to 5 hours a night. But I do get rest. I catch up on the weekends when I sleep in. I often do not wake until almost noon on Saturdays during the off-season. And I take Sunday afternoon naps as well during the off-season. My vacations are also a key time to rest and re-charge. Once I am on vacation, I completely relax and shut-down. So don't worry... I do get rest. And during this Christmas season when I am burning the candle at both ends, I have an almost magical energy. I do get tired but its not that deep exhaustion you might expect given my schedule. Just the thought of Christmas Eve gets me revved up and ready to go whenever my energy levels might slide. Besides, I have December 26th to look forward to! I'll spend that day like I am in a coma.



Q. Santa, what are your travel plans after the holidays? I know you like to spend time in Hawaii, but have you considered somewhere more exotic...possibly Southeast Asia perhaps?

A. Its funny you should ask. I will go to Hawaii like I do every year but I do plan to go to Thailand... likely Koh Samui island... this spring. I hear its wonderful. And yes... I have vacationed a number of times, usually brief stays, in Southeast Asia. My favorite places in Southeast Asia include the Six Senses Hideaway in Vietnam and a number of different resorts in Phuket. Indonesia is nice as well but I am always worried about my security when I am there. I feel much safer in Vietnam and Thailand. I am also considering Africa for a vacation this year.