The biggest interview of the holiday season The Free Press sits down with the jolliest of elves ahead of his biggest night of the year By: Erin Lebar Posted: 7:00 PM CST Monday, Dec. 23, 2019

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This article was published 22/12/2019 (1832 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A week before Christmas, I found out it is harder to get an interview with Santa Claus than it was to get pop star Shawn Mendes on the phone.

After being passed off from person to person, including one with the title “Santa wrangler” in her email address, for many days, finally — FINALLY — I was able to lock in a time to have a one-on-one question-and-answer session with the big guy in red at his home base at CF Polo Park shopping centre.

Santa is getting ready for his biggest, busiest night of the year, during which he will deliver presents to more than 22 million kids an hour, every hour, on the night before Christmas. You can track his path Tuesday night at the official Norad site or by using the Santa Tracker app.

At a very sprightly 1,749 years old, Santa says he’s been amping up his fitness routines to make sure he’s got enough kick in his kringle to make it through the night. He also gives the Free Press some intel that he is increasing production at the workshop in the North Pole to accommodate an increased demand for LOL dolls and Lego, two of the most popular toys on kids’ wish lists this year.

Obviously, Santa’s schedule is pretty crammed these days, but, being the generous guy he is, he was kind enough to spare a few minutes to answer some of our burning questions about his life on and off the Christmas clock.

Winnipeg Free Press: Christmas is less than a week away now. Do you have any rituals or routines you go through before the big day?

Santa Claus: My pre-Christmas rituals are weightlifting and yoga, to stay flexible.

Winnipeg Free Press: Do you have a favourite reindeer?

Santa Claus: I would have to say Rudolph, he leads my sleigh.

Winnipeg Free Press: How many red suits do you own? And have you ever thought about changing up your look?

Santa Claus: You know, I really don’t keep count. And I have tried a green suit, but red suits me best.

Winnipeg Free Press: Any tips for staying off the naughty list?

Santa Claus: Listen to your parents.

Winnipeg Free Press: Do you actually check the list twice? Or is it a one-and-done situation?

Santa Claus: Oh no, definitely twice. Sometimes three times.

Winnipeg Free Press: How do you personally celebrate Christmas once you’re off the clock?

Santa Claus: Well, I like to go south, to the South Pole, because it’s summer down there and they have penguins.

Winnipeg Free Press: Any other favourite vacation spots for you and Mrs. Claus?

Santa Claus: Hawaii. Mrs. Claus likes to go surfing.

Winnipeg Free Press: For the record, what is your favourite kind of cookie, and do you actually drink all that milk?

Santa Claus: My favourite cookie would be the cookie under your tree, and yes, I drink the milk.

Winnipeg Free Press: What do you do during the off-season? Do you have any hobbies?

Santa Claus: What off-season? Santa Claus is all-encompassing.

Winnipeg Free Press: What’s your favourite thing about Christmas?

Santa Claus: The joy on children’s faces.

Winnipeg Free Press: What’s your favourite thing about Christmas being over?

Santa Claus: The joy on Santa’s face.

Winnipeg Free Press: You have a very impressive beard; do you have a beard-maintenance routine?

Santa Claus: Well, my beard-maintenance routine would be let it grow, let it grow, let it grow!

Winnipeg Free Press: You’re more than 1,700 years old, so do you have any wise words to share with our readers this holiday season?

Santa Claus: Rest, listen to your parents and eat lots of cookies… I hope you all have a very merry Christmas; be good and I’ll see you soon.