What if we told you we were able to secure an interview with the big man who lives and works in the North Pole? You’d probably say we were pulling your tinsel…but we’re not. We recently chatted with the legend himself—Santa Claus!

Even with the holiday season rapidly approaching, Santa took time out of his busy schedule to chat with us…and enjoy some hot cocoa (with extra marshmallows for the jolly guy). While he kept some of the magic under his shiny black belt, here’s what he did share with us…

Q: How are you able to deliver gifts to all the children in the world in just one night?

Santa: You may not believe me if I tell you, but it mostly has to do with my sleigh…and my trusty reindeer. Without Rudolph at the helm, leading the way—his nose acts as our compass, you see—and our state-of-the-art GPS, we wouldn’t be able to get around the world in just one night. And just like Star Wars, we have a little lightspeed of our own. In the blink of an eye, we can cover an entire country. You just have to believe. 

Q: In movies like The Santa Clause and Elf, your sleigh looks like it has extra features, such as a hot cocoa and cookie dispenser and even a souped-up rocket engine. Do these hold any truth?

Santa: Well, the rocket engine isn’t something I need. The magic that stems from the belief of the season is all I need to power my sleigh. I do, however, love a good cup of steaming cocoa to keep me warm, so the drink dispenser gets a good bit of use. And my elves have recently installed heated seats and heated reins for my comfort. I eat plenty of delicious cookies as I visit each house, so instead of a cookie dispenser, I have an antacid dispenser in my sleigh. But we’re going to keep that between us, right?

Q: Of course, Santa. So...you really eat cookies from every home you visit? And drink the milk, too? 

Santa: Of course! The cookies are my favorite part; there are always so many different varieties depending on what area in the world I’m in: chocolate chip, gingerbread, polvorones, kourabiedes, pfeffernüsse, shortbread... And the platters families use to display the cookies? They are so unique and fun! I do enjoy a nice glass of milk, too, even when it’s lactose-free.

Q: Let’s talk about your naughty or nice list. How do you decide who’s been naughty and who’s been nice?

Santa: My list is a closely guarded secret—the only souls who have access to that are me, Mrs. Claus and my elves. What I can tell you is kindness and generosity go a long way in earning a spot on the nice list. And those on the naughty list? I keep a watchful eye on those mischievous ones. It helps me when parents allow some of my elves to sit on the shelves in their homes and report back to me. And before you ask, yes, I check my list twice!

Q: Speaking of elves, we’ve heard you’ve got quite the workshop at the North Pole. Can we get a little insight into what’s happening up there?

Santa: Of course! My workshop is bustling all year long, with elves crafting toys and gifts for the children (and some for the grown-ups, too). We’ve automated a few things over the years to help streamline the toy-making process and give the elves more time for fun and relaxation. There’s a hot cocoa fountain available at all times; pods for naps during the day; a kitchen that pumps out freshly baked cookies all day long; and a consistently fresh snowbank for sledding and skiing during breaks. That’s all I can really tell you, but maybe go watch The Santa Clause (just the first one—that’s my favorite) and Elf. They present a pretty good depiction of my workshop.

Q: Do you have any favorite Christmas songs?

Santa: Of course I do. “Here Comes Santa Claus” is one I love to listen to the most. “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” is also a favorite. Now, don’t tell Mrs. Claus, but “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is a guilty pleasure of mine. I try my best to hit that high note.

Q: Wow, Santa! Thanks for being candid with us. And thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule during the holiday season to sit and chat with us. Is there anything else you’d like us to tell our readers?

Santa: I believe the movie Elf said it the best: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Happy Ho-ho-holidays, everyone!