The Scoop From Santa

Orato: We’ll start with the question most kids wonder at some point in their lives: How do you manage to be in so many places at once in the days and weeks before the big day?

Santa: It’s magic! . . . and I have many representatives.

Orato: You’ve seen your share of ‘naughty’ and ‘nice’ over the years – how do you keep track, and how long does it take to change your reputation from ‘naughty’ to ‘nice?’

Santa: The elves help me keep track. Jumping to the “nice” list is easy. All it takes is one good deed to help another.

Orato: Some kids get a little freaked out when they visit you for the first time – that doesn’t go down in their permanent record as being naughty, does it?

Santa: Absolutely not! It can be overwhelming at times, and I understand.

Orato: Have you ever actually given anyone a lump of coal for Christmas? What were the circumstances, and how bad do you have to be to find that in your stocking?

Santa: I never leave pure coal in a stocking. Sometimes I put it under extreme pressure and turn the coal into diamonds. People seem to like that.

Orato: Has anyone ever caught you as you filled their stocking? Tell us about some close calls.

Santa: No one has ever caught me - I’m Santa Claus!

Orato: What about houses that don’t have fireplaces? How do you get in?

Santa: It’s a magical power you might not fully understand. Think of it like turning into fine mist that can go under windows and doors.

Orato: Let’s talk about Mrs. Claus. Why doesn’t she ever join you for the deliveries on Christmas Eve?

Santa: She keeps the home fires burning, as they say.