Father Christmas, also known as Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus or Kris Kringle, brings gifts to the homes of good children on Christmas Eve. He travels through the sky on a sleigh pulled by his reindeers: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. He lives in the North Pole and is married to Mrs Claus.
• Have you ever been stuck in a chimney?
No, never. I have far too many years experience climbing up and down chimneys to make a mistake like that. I’ve noticed there aren’t too many chimneys in South African homes, which makes for a nice change.
Sometimes I just want to use the door like everyone else, you know?
Also, the reindeer are more comfortable if they’re able to wait for me on solid ground, instead of on a roof.
• Do you wear anything else but your red suit?
I have other outfits of different colours, but Mrs Claus likes to coordinate our clothes, and red is her favourite colour.
I do, however, have a vast collection of caps and hats.
I’ve collected them from all over the world.
• What is your favourite food?
Mince pies or cookies of any kind.
• You must receive millions of letters from boys and girls from all over the world. What is the most common gift request?
The types of toys differ from year to year, it depends on what is popular, but the most common is definitely pets or younger siblings.
• You undertake such a big task every December; how do you cope?
I have great support from my elves and Mrs Claus. I wouldn’t be able to do anything without them.
• Why do you never seem to age?
That’s a secret, but I can tell you it has something to do with the mince pies.
• Have Brakpan boys and girls been naughty or nice this year?
Definitely nice.
• Which of your reindeers is your favourite?
I could never choose. They each have their own unique personality.
• Tell us a little bit more about them.
Dasher loves to go fast and enjoys sewing.
Dancer is completely extroverted and loves all kinds of dance.
Prancer is a bit vain, although affectionate.
Vixen is slightly tricky and Comet is handsome and easy-going.
Cupid loves bringing people together and Donner is loud.
Blitzen is fast as a bolt and Rudolph, well, his nose glows.
• Do you have any other means of transport other than your sleigh?
Why would you want to travel any other way?
• Do you ever go on holiday?
No. I’m so well-known and easily recognised, where would I go?
• With whom do you spend Christmas Day?
Usually just Mrs Claus, but this year the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy will be joining us for lunch. We’ve been very good friends for years, but have such hectic work schedules, that we don’t often get to spend time together.
• Do you ever get Christmas presents?
Of course I do. Last year I received a beard grooming kit.
