Claus has been working at the mall for some time now, when not supervising the elves and making sure the reindeer are fed properly with high-quality hay shipped to the North Pole just for them.

“I took over from the old Santa six years ago,” Claus explained. That Santa needed a break and some eggnog.

He likes being Santa because he likes children and does his best to calm the inevitable fears some children have when they come to take their photo with him.

“I ask them what they want for Christmas to see if Santa can bring it,” he said. Candy canes go a long way towards helping younger children relax.

Of course, there are some things that are beyond even Santa.

“I don’t make horses and I’ve had quite a few horse requests. And computers. So I say if you’re good, you might get one but they’re hard to make,” Claus explained.

“I want to spread the cheer and I love the kids because it puts joy on their faces.”

He signed off the chat with his normal greeting as children were waiting to see him.

“I wish everybody a Merry Christmas and drive safe if you’re driving. I’ll see you in a couple days.”

NORAD tracks Santa’s progress every year and children wondering exactly where he is can find that information here.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: @susanmcneil.bsky.social