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Exclusive: Oak Bay News interviews Santa Claus

The Oak Bay News sits down with our favourite elf for a holiday Q&A
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From all of us at the Oak Bay News – and Santa Claus


Santa Claus: Am I real? Now let me see? Ouch, I just pinched myself and you bet I am real. Some people are doubtful and that’s OK because deep down many people feel in their hearts feel that I’m real. That’s what counts. Life is full of mystery and amazement, so go with your heart and enjoy life.

 

 

OBN: How do you handle our Island climate where there is rarely snow?

SC: Oh my gosh, the Island is easy to handle compared to other even warmer places in the world. My sleigh is magical, so I can travel everywhere and even to places where there is no snow. I just let my magic sleigh and Rudolf guide the way.

 

 

OBN: How do the reindeer fly?

SC: Yes, they can they fly – and fast too. My reindeer are very special. You know there’s Dasher and Dancer, and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, and Donner and Blitzen and of course the most famous reindeer of all – Rudolph with his bright red nose who guides my sleigh at night. We help them fly by sprinkling magical elf dust on the reindeer food and up, up and away they fly – and fast too. I think I said that…

 

 

OBN: Do you have a favourite rooftop in Oak Bay?

SC: Well, let me see. Hmmm, I would say the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. That old fireplace in the lobby that came from the original hotel is just my size. Most fireplaces are so small or there are none at all, so I have to use my magic to drop off the wonderful toys for all the good girls and boys. Magical Elf Dust works every time.

 

 

OBN: What are your favourite kind of cookies and do you dunk them?

SC: Oh my gosh, I like so many, ho, ho, ho. I would say gingerbread cookies are my favourite. I like to dunk when I’m in Mrs. Claus’s kitchen but not on Christmas Eve. I’m way too busy dashing around the world delivering toys.

 

 

OBN: What does your ideal Christmas Eve in Oak Bay look like?

SC: Oak Bay is one of my favourite places to visit on Christmas Eve. I like to fly down Oak Bay Avenue and look at all the beautiful Christmas lights on my way to each and every home. I always hope the children will go to bed early so I can arrive and drop off my special gifts on time. The children in Oak Bay are always kind and many leave cookies and milk for me. It won’t be long and I’ll be there.

OBN: Will you share your favourite Christmas memory?

SC: My favourite Christmas memory was back in 2006 when I was visiting some children in the Bahamas. I made a special trip there just before Christmas because the children on an island called Long Island had never seen Santa Claus before. Not even one of Santa’s helpers, that help Santa in the malls and other places before Christmas. When I walked into the elementary school a little girl’s eyes opened way up and she said “Oh Santa, I love you so much.” Then she ran up and gave me a big hug. It was very special. All the children were very happy to see me and I was happy to see them. I love all the children of the world.

 

 

OBN: What do you do the rest of the year?

SC: Santa is very busy all year planning for next Christmas. I have so many things to do to get ready. Once in a while I will make a special trip to visit children somewhere in the world. I couldn’t do it all without Mrs. Claus and all the elves. Oh, and of course, Santa’s helpers. Every year there are more children in the world, so it takes more time.

 

 

OBN: Do you ever visit Greater Victoria outside of Christmas?

SC: Yes, sometimes I’ll make a special appearance at a Breakfast with Santa or at the mall or parade. You never know when I’ll show up. Ho, ho, ho. I do have help from my Santa’s helpers during the Christmas season because I can’t be everywhere at the same time. They also help me keep an eye on everyone and report back to me who’s been naughty and who’s been nice – so be nice for goodness sake. It’s the only way to be.

 

 

OBN: What is the cutest question a child has asked?

SC: I think the cutest question I’ve ever been asked was from a little boy in Oak Bay who was very upset when he sat on my knee. He said to me: “Santa, can I ask you a question,” and of course I said yes. “Santa, can I have one of your reindeer? I will save my allowance every week and not buy candy so can I pay for the reindeer food and at Christmas each year you can borrow him back to take the presents to the other kids.” I told the little guy that I wish I could, but my reindeer are a magical team and they want to stay together. Just like families.

 

 

OBN: What is your Christmas wish this year?

SC: This Christmas I have a very special wish and I really want it to come true. I wish that all the people of the world would get along and help each other more. The world doesn’t work very well when people don’t get along. If every one of us tries a little harder to be kind and thoughtful towards other people, we can make a difference. It’s amazing how good you feel when you help others. Even the simplest things like a smile or a hug, especially when someone is feeling down. That’s my wish for the world this Christmas.  Keep smiling and have a wonderful Christmas.

 

See you soon!