By Kelly Youngblood
Christmas is only 10 days away so we decided to sit down with the big man himself at Market Place Mall in Champaign and ask him a few questions about this year’s big toy requests, his favorite cookie, that infamous Naughty List, and much more!
What are little boys and girls asking for this year?
Drones with cameras, Hatchimals, Shopkins, fire trucks and harvesters.
I hear those Hatchimals are pretty hard to find! My daughter has asked for an orange unicorn and my son has a real puppy on his list. What do you tell kids about getting EVERYTHING on their list?
I always tell them I will do the best I can. Unfortunately, they don’t always get what they want. Santa can’t give anything better than what a parent or grandparent can give. And live pets are always a parent and a grandparent gift. Santa can’t give live pets.
Have you gotten any unique requests yet?
One little boy just wanted a picture of his mommy for Christmas.
You’ve got a pretty good job here. What’s your favorite part about it?
Meeting the children and making them happy!
What’s the biggest challenge to your job?
I get children who are terrified of me. When there’s no line (at the mall) I have time to convert them. I’ve been very successful this year!
Your busiest day is Christmas Eve but you work all year. What’s the toughest part of your job year-round?
There’s some sadness out there and that bothers me sometimes but I try to do the best I can to help the underprivileged all year long.
Do you get any presents?
Just the hugs from the children.
What is the true meaning of Christmas?
The true sprit of Christmas comes form the heart, not from presents. It’s about charity and being good to each other.
How do you stay on the Nice List?
By trying to do good and be generous to each and everyone.
How do you get on the Naughty List?
It’s pretty hard to get on the Naughty List. You’d have to do something pretty terrible to get on the Naughty List.
Have there been any kids that have asked you about the Nice and Naughty List this year? Are they nervous?
Oh yes, very nervous.
What’s your favorite cookie?
The secret of Santa’s favorite cookie- it’s the round one!
Anything you want to say to the boys and girls this year?
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!