SANTA CLAUS PART 1

Joy Spreader, Gift Giver, The Ultimate Celebrity

By Jay Cooper

I was truly surprised to learn that Santa Claus has a summer home here in the Kawarthas. What better celebrity to have in the Winter issue than the man himself? So I sought him out and he graciously took the time to chat with me – even though he is very busy right now.

Jay Cooper (ATOTK): WOW! Such an incredible honour to chat with you Santa! I realize your extremely busy so thank you for your time. Santa Claus (SC): HO HO HO! No worries, Jay! Happy to make the time for you!

ATOTK: I have been an admirer of yours my whole life. Thank you for being the celebrity feature in A Taste of the Kawarthas magazine. First and foremost, how are you and Mrs. Claus doing?

SC: Well, I’m feeling quite jolly today as it’s been a very good season so far and Mrs. Claus is doing very well, helping out in the kitchen to make sure the elves have their meals. She makes me plenty of cookies - getting me in shape so I have a big tummy to eat all the cookies that children leave out for me all around the world. HO HO HO!

ATOTK: How is Christmas shaping up for you and the elves?

SC: The elves are very busy. People seem to think that it’s just one day of the year when in fact it starts again on Dec 26th and carries on all year until I make my next trip. It’s a 365 day operation.

ATOTK: Before we get into Christmas, most people have no idea you have a home in the Kawarthas. When did you decide to have a summer castle here?

SC: Oh, I’ve lost count of how many years really. The Kawarthas is just such a beautiful and great place to be, with so many things to see and experience. I just thought it would be my go-to place to enjoy and relax.

ATOTK: Do the elves come to visit or are they too busy making toys?

SC: The odd time a few of them will come down and visit but for the most part they’re always at the

North Pole to keep the toy production moving and making sure the quality control department is on top of any issues.

ATOTK: Do people recognize you at times or do you wear a disguise?

SC: No, I don’t wear a disguise (laughs). Yes, the children notice me throughout the year in the shopping malls, grocery stores or walking down the street. The most enjoyable times for Santa is when older people come up to me and say hello and have a little chat. It makes my day and theirs as well.

ATOTK: I met you a couple of times in passing and thought wow that must be Santa but never really believed it. Why did you open up to me and want to tell your story?

SC: Well, Santa always likes to make his presence known (no pun intended HOHOHO) and where he is in the world at all times. When I saw you and you offered to feature me in your magazine I thought, it’s a good time to have a feel good story with so many negative things going on in the world. I just want everyone to be courteous and kind to others. So spreading those thoughts and words in your magazine is another way to do that and I thank you for that.

ATOTK: We had you travel to many places here to spread your Christmas magic but I was worried we didn’t have enough milk and cookies to get through our journey. (laughs)

SC: (laughs) It was a pleasure and Santa had just the right amount of milk and cookies and other treats on the journey.

ATOTK: You had a sandwich from Angle Iron Kitchen in Lakefield, donuts from Doohers Bak- ery in Campbellford and chocolate from Centre and Main in Warkworth. So Santa actually eats much more than cookies and milk? (laughs)

SC: Cookies are my treat. Santa eats just as normal as anyone else. I support local businesses wherever I am. But that sandwich I had at Angle Iron Kitchen was just scrumptious with the pulled pork and caramelized onions! It should be called the More Sandwich as Santa just wanted to keep eating. Thank you for taking me there, I shall return.

ATOTK: What are your favorite cookies that people leave out for you?

SC: Ah! Now that’s a tough question! I think I could narrow it down to my 2 favorite cookies. Homemade and store bought. (laughs)

ATOTK: So lets get down to your story. When were you born and raised?

SC: I was born 63 years ago. People always think I’m hundreds of years old but that’s just a fable. This honour is passed down through my family. My great grandfather to the power of 10 was the very first Santa Claus and it was passed to me from my father. Don’t believe everything others tell you. I live it.

ATOTK: What name is on your birth certificate?

Santa, Kris Kingle, Saint Nick?

SC: My birth certificate says Kris Kingle.

ATOTK: Did you go to school to be Santa?

SC: Jay, that’s a good question. I’ve been in training my whole life. Up in the North Pole I learned at a very young age that someday I would have to take over from my father as that was my destiny. It took a long time to learn how to train the reindeer, the toy making industry and how to