Santa Claus

Angelique Flores

HE IS

Bringing cheer to good girls and boys

HOLIDAY RUSH

Santa and his elves have been busy all year making the Christmas gifts

for the December distribution. And with Christmas Day fast approaching,

Santa’s workload has doubled.

“This is the busiest time of the year for us,” said Santa, a bit out of

breath.

Despite the hustle and bustle of making sure everyone’s Christmas is a

merry one, Santa Claus -- who bears a striking resemblance to Huntington

Beach businessman Steve Daniels -- took time out to visit Surf City. This

past weekend, he visited girls and boys outside the Rocky Mountain

Chocolate Factory located Downtown.

BEING SANTA

After all these years, Santa has not grown tired of the tradition of

lending his ears to listen to the requests of the many excited children

who climb atop his lap.

“It’s fun to bring smiles and happiness to both kids and parents,” Old

St. Nick said.

One thing always warms Santa’s heart, and that’s the generosity of the

children he sees year after year.

“The kids not only care about themselves, but they ask for something for

their mom and dad,” said the bearded bearer of gifts.

FAMILY TRADITIONS

Every year, Santa and Mrs. Claus get together for a two-day gathering of

food, games and merriment.

“We all get together, the in-laws, the outlaws and the best friends,”

Claus said.

On Christmas Eve -- before setting off on his all-night excursion to

deliver gifts to girls and boys all over the world -- Santa hosts a poker

party.

The group orders Chinese food on Christmas Eve, cooks a ham on Christmas

Day, and in between plays poker.

“This year, we’re learning to play craps,” said the excited Kris Kringle.

Though Mr. and Mrs. Claus are busy year-round planning for Christmas,

they’ve managed to raise two sons and a daughter. His two sons help run

several candy shops, and his daughter is a psychologist.

“She keeps us all in line,” Claus said.

SANTA’S FASHION SENSE

Though Santa’s matching crimson coat, cap and pants may be stylish in the

North Pole, the ensemble of furry red isn’t always comfortable --

especially in Southern California.

“It gets really hot,” he said.

While some Santa impersonators need to tuck a pillow under their shirts

to create St. Nick’s famous belly, this one doesn’t.

“I have an automatic pillow,” he said.

WISH LISTS

Year after year, Kris Kringle receives hundreds of requests for the usual

toys. But sometimes, he’ll get a unique one. He remembers one year a

child asked to take a ride on his sleigh with the reindeer.

“I had to explain to him that you can’t see the sleigh, you can only hear

it,” he said. “But you have to be good and be asleep, too.”

As for Santa’s wish, he just wants children to be good and have fun.

“Enjoy the holidays,” said jolly ol’ St. Nick. “That’s how Christmas is

supposed to be.”