TOAD snagged an interview with everyone’s favorite winter celeb…
Santa gets grilled in our coldest hot seat ever!
It’s smack in the middle of your busiest time right now. Thanks for taking a moment to talk to us.
Indeed it is, but I’m always happy to answer a few questions… especially since you brought the milk and cookies!
So you’ve been spotted around Abu Dhabi for the past few weeks now. How many children have you heard from since you arrived?
Well, you know me, I’ve been checking in with children all over the world for the past few weeks. I love coming to Abu Dhabi, though, because the weather is beautiful this time of year – it’s a great break from the chilly North Pole. And just between you and me, Abu Dhabi has a lot of children on the nice list this year!
Speaking of, do you really keep a list?
Of course I do! My memory isn’t what it used to be and how else am I going to keep track of every boy and girl?
You’re probably receiving a lot of mail these days, what seems to be the most asked for gift this year?
Kids these days! They’re all asking for the newfangled gizmos and gadgets. I’m getting requests for video games and handheld electronics almost every day. Personally, I can’t make sense of the stuff, but luckily my elves are pretty tech savvy and they’re hard at work preparing state-of-the art gifts for all the good boys and girls. I’m just the delivery guy!
How modest! Getting to every boy and girl on Christmas Eve is a big job. Can you give us any clues as to how you manage to get it done every year?
Well, I can’t tell you everything – and some things just can’t be explained – but I will say that my trusty team of reindeer train all year for Christmas Eve. It takes a lot of hard work and focus but somehow we manage.
What keeps you motivated throughout the year?
Christmas music of course! The elves have carols playing all year long in the factory.
Sounds festive! What’s your favourite?
Call me old fashioned but I’m partial to the classics: ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘Deck The Halls’ are two of my favourites. But ‘The Jingle Bell Rock’ always has the factory singing along. And I bet you can guess Rudolph’s favorite Christmas song!
All great choices. We bet you’d all throw a great party. When do you and the elves get to celebrate?
Up until Christmas we’re snowed in with all the work, so to speak, but every year, Mrs. Claus prepares a New Year’s Eve feast where we can let our hair down. We really look forward to the bash after the busy Christmas rush.
Any last thoughts for our readers?
To all the boys and girls out there, remember to be nice because I’m watching extra carefully these days. And I just can’t resist… Ho ho ho! And a very merry Christmas to all of Abu Dhabi.
Make sure you leave a mince pie out for Santa this Christmas Eve!
