With Christmas coming, we decided that a special business feature was in order. So, we are going to step away from the businesses of the Nicola Valley just this once, and go a little further north. Actually, more than 4,000 kms north, beyond the Arctic Circle, all the way to the North Pole where we had an exclusive interview with Santa, and a tour of his workshop. All done in complete COVID safety, of course, over Zoom.
During the winter, the temperature at the North Pole will drop down as low as -40 degrees Celsius, but after more than 150 years in the neighbourhood, Santa and Mrs. Claus are quite comfortable with the snow and cold. In fact, the climate was a major factor in their choice of location.
“The reindeer that pull my sleigh thrive in the cold weather,” Santa explained.
“They need to keep in tip top shape to fly my sleigh on Christmas Eve, and training is easy for them here at the North Pole, where it is snowy all year round.”
Adjusting from the cold weather to warmer temperatures, like those in the Southern Hemisphere or in your toasty living room, can be a real task for Santa, which is why he appreciates the cold glass of milk you leave out for him so much.
With Christmas Eve practically upon us, Santa warned that his workshop would be filled to overflowing with toys, and that the elves would be very busy, but he was happy to show us around, with Mrs. Claus acting as camerawoman.
Once inside, Santa was bombarded with last minute questions about who should receive which gift, and whether or not a child should be on the Naughty list or the Nice list. He was also given a stack of letters from Bernard the Head Elf that had arrived just in time for Santa to read before his annual around the world journey.
We immediately noticed that no one was wearing masks, and had to ask why. Santa referred to a statement by the Technical Head of the World Health Orgainization (WHO), Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove.
“I understand the concern for Santa because he is of older age,” said Dr. Kerkhove.
“I can tell you that Santa Claus is immune to this virus.”
World leaders have also made an exception to their quarantine restrictions, enabling Santa to fly the skies everywhere on Christmas Eve.
“He will be able to travel in and out of the airspace and be able to deliver presents to children,” continued Kerkhove.
This comes as a relief to Bernard the Head Elf, who said the elves would have been very disappointed to know that their toys wouldn’t make it to the children they were made for.
“We love making toys, we work all year to make sure we have something for every child,” said Bernard.
Although the lead up to Christmas Eve can be a tiring time, Bernard assures that the elves never lose their enthusiasm.
“Mrs. Claus keeps us well stocked up with cookies and candy canes and hot chocolate,” said Bernard.
After the workshop, where we even caught a glimpse of Santa’s sleigh, which the elves were filling with beautifully wrapped gifts, we were introduced to the reindeer.
Rudolph’s nose was glowing brightly as he circled the sky in practice flight, ensuring that no matter what the weather, Santa wouldn’t be stranded or unable to perform his deliveries.
The other reindeer expressed their fondness for carrots and apples, which Santa produced from his pockets.
Having seen all of the wonderful gifts Santa would be bringing children, I asked him if he had any advice on how to avoid his Naughty list.
“It’s been a long time since a child ended up on my Naughty list,” he said with a laugh.
“The most important thing to remember is to always be kind. Share what you can, when you can, tell the truth and treat everyone you meet as a friend. If you always try your best, then I promise there will be a present from me under your Christmas tree.”
