Monday Conversation is a regular feature in The Gazette. It usually is a question-and-answer interview with a local person. This week, however, The Gazette secured an exclusive interview with Santa Claus. If you have children, gather them around and read this interview with them. Some of the questions came from Emporia children.
Q With six days until Christmas, is it too late for children to contact you with their wish lists?
A It’s not too late, but they must hurry because the elves are already packing up the sleigh. The fastest way to contact me is at the Emporia Post Office on Merchant Street, where they have a special red box in the lobby for mail that goes to the North Pole.
Q How do reindeer fly?
A Santa and his helpers discovered magical oats and corn. When the reindeer eat the oats and corn, the deer can leap into the air and fly.
Q How many cookies do you eat?
A Lots and lots. But I need all those cookies to help me keep nourished so I can deliver all the presents.
Q How do you know who has been naughty and nice?
A I gather information all year long from parents, teachers, and babysitters to see who has been behaving themselves. Children on my good list obey their parents, teachers and get along with brothers and sisters.
Q What type of presents do naughty children receive?
A They will receive a lump of coal in their stockings. In Emporia, most of the children will receive presents this year.
Q In the weeks leading up to Christmas, how are you able to be in so many different places?
A My elves keep me on a very tight schedule. My sleigh makes it possible for me to get around very quickly.
Q Will you deliver presents on Christmas Eve if the weather is bad?
A Oh yes. Rudolph is my special reindeer, and he takes me to every child’s house even in the worst weather. His nose lights my way.