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Chat with Santa Claus Monday about Christmas traditions, gift lists and holiday preparations.

December 18, 2006

Moderator: Hello and Happy Holidays. Welcome to 49 News’ chat with one of the most famous celebs of all time – Santa Claus. Jolly Old St. Nick was able to take time from his pre-Christmas workload to chat with our viewers this afternoon. I’m Lisa Coble-Krings, editor of 49abcnews.com, and I’ll be the moderator today. We’ve got some good questions, and Santa welcomes questions as we go.

Moderator: First off, here's a question on everyone's mind. Santa, I’ve always wondered how you know who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. How do you know?

Santa Claus: That's a very good question. I have many elves as you know and some are in charge of gathering info on who is being good and who is not. You won't be able to see them as they are small and they have all learned how to be discrete. I also rely heavily on mom and dad for their input.

oread: What is your preferred method of entry for houses without a chimney, or what do you do if someone has left a fire burning in the fire place?

Santa Claus: Well, I really don't need a chimney to get into your house because I have the magic key. I simply touch the side of my nose and I can pass through any door. My preferred method is however down the chimney so I am closer to the tree thus saving time. I can also extinguish any flames or hot coals before coming down. Santa

skydivebutterfly: Hi there Santa, I was just wondering what the reindeer's favorite food is?

Santa Claus: Good question. The reindeer are very fond of treats, but I do have to limit them somewhat. I feed them a ration of oats and molasses. They also get a flake of hay each day. I limit the treats so that they don't put on too much extra weight and slow them down. Santa

kansasphotog: You eat a bunch of cookies and drink alot of milk how do you maintain your excercise routine?

Santa Claus: Well as you know I have a very busy schedule and I have to move very quickly especially on Christmas Eve. The cookies I eat are much needed to maintain my energy level so pleeeaase keep them coming!

Moderator: The next question comes from a mother of two from within the 49 News Center. She asks, "Santa, What advice do you have for parents whose children are terrified of Santa when it comes time for pictures and visits?"

Santa Claus: Patience, patience, patience. Lots of children have reservations about coming to see Santa, and as parents we want them to be cautious of strangers. But they need to be dealt with love and understanding. Santa can coax most children given enough time. And when they realize that Santa loves them as much as you do, they will usually come around. Santa

oread: What does Mrs. Claus do on Christmas Eve when you're off delivering gifts?

Santa Claus: Good question! Mrs Claus is just as busy as I am what with reloading the sleigh and keeping the elves in line. She also reminds me of any children who have advanced from the naughty list to the good list and therefor qualify for more gifts. She is continously updateind the list so that every boy and girl gets what they want.

Moderator: One reader emailed me their question. She wrote, "Hey Santa! I heard that you were actually the Bishop of Turkey and that you reside in Spain. What is the deal?"

Santa Claus: Yes St Nicholas was a bishop in the province of Myra which is now present day Turkey. The story goes that as a priest St Nicholas had a neighbor who had a 3 daughters and could not afford to give them a dowries. St Nicholas heard of their plight and by night through a window he threw three bags of coins. The story also goes on to say that the coins landed in their stocking thus the legend of Santa filling the stockings on Christmas Eve was born. As for how St Nicholas got to Spain this happened as Christianity spread across the region and Spanish sailors took the legend of St Nicholas and proclaimed him as a protectorate as the sailed the seas. Santa

mmartz: Santa, NOAA tracks you all over the world with the Santa Tracker on Christmas Eve, how do you still avoid being seen if I'm watching as you fly over my house?

Santa Claus: Well, You might catch a glimpse of me as I pass over, but most wouldn't be able to distinguish between my sleigh and a shooting star. The NORAD tracking station in Colorado does a marvelous job of tracking my flight so you might want to log on to their site www.northpole.com/NoradSanta.asp Santa

Moderator: Another 49 News viewer wanted to know if Ruldolph's nose ever goes out.

Santa Claus: No I can't say as I have ever seen Ruldolph's nose go out. He seems to always be healthy and ready to guide the sleigh whenever he's needed. If you'd like you could leave him a few red hot candies with my cookies. Santa

kansasphotog: Santa, there have been alot of movie made about you...what movie do you feel best protrays what happens at the north pole and what actor do you feel best portrayed you?

Santa Claus: Good question! I really like most of the movies which portray my life. I think that Tim Allen does a great job and the scenes of life at the North Pole are very realistic except that Mrs. Claus is always by my side when I'm at home. I would never like any movie that would scare any of my friends or portray Santa in any negative way.

Moderator: Well, everybody that's all the time we have for this chat. Santa has a very busy schedule and must get back to work at the North Pole. So, we'll wish him safe travels and thank him for his time. And thank you for logging on to 49abcnews.com.