Q. You visit millions of homes all over the world on Christmas Eve, and most children leave you cookies and milk.
What’s your favorite cookie?
A. Actually, my favorite snacks are Sarris Peanut Butter Meltaways and The Toffee House’s Dangerous Stuff. I also enjoy visiting Hoboken, N.J., on Christmas Eve, where many children leave me cupcakes from Carlo’s Bakery, home of the Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro. I blame my expanding waistline on Buddy’s Red Velvet cupcakes.
Q. Favorite Christmas movie?
A. That’s a tough one. I’ll give you my top five: “Miracle on 34th Street,” when Susie Walker learns that I do exist; “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the most uplifting Christmas movie ever made; “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”; the animated “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and, of course, “A Christmas Story.”
Q. How has technology changed the way you spread happiness and cheer at Christmas?
A. What a help technology has been! For example, I don’t know how I managed to travel around the world in one night, delivering toys to all the good little boys and girls, without GPS. I set my Garmin on the “fastest time” option, and the reindeer and I are flying from Trinidad to Tucson in record time (winking). It also helps me to closely track children’s behavior year-round. I can tell you that most of the children all over the world have been nice this year.
Q. Ever worry about your weight?
A. My BMI indicates that I’m a little overweight, and I admit, I do have a weakness for sweets, which I attribute to the stress of pulling epic all-nighters once a year. But I exercise in a state-of-the-art gym that Oprah’s trainer Bob Greene recently set up in the workshop, and Mrs. Claus informed me that after Christmas this year, we’re going on the South Beach Diet together.
Q. How did you and Mrs. Claus meet?
A. At a potluck dinner hosted by the Abominable Snowman. For me, it was love at first sight.
Q. The whole world loves you and admires your joyous heart, giving spirit and faith in humanity. Whom do you admire?
A. I admire people who embody the real spirit of Christmas. That includes our brave servicemen and women, and the police and firefighters who serve their communities.
Q. What’s your advice to people during the Christmas season?
A. Spend more time with your family and friends, and spend less time worrying about material things. Be kind to each other.
Q. What do you want for Christmas, Santa?
A. Peace on earth.
