Everyone knows that Santa Claus has a naughty list.
But did you know he is in Toledo on a mission to dissuade children from being on that list?
This is one of a few secrets revealed during an exclusive interview with Santa Claus at the Toledo Club, one of his 70 area appearances this holiday season.
PHOTO GALLERY: A day in the life of Santa
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Santa (in civilian life Ric Nierman) said he and Mrs. Claus (Carol Olszewski) also attend private parties, parades and restaurants — just about anywhere good kids gather — to surprise them, and encourage them to keep up the good work.
Another secret he divulged is that being Santa is part of a family business.
He confided that he doesn’t tell this fable often, only when a skeptical child questions him about the multitude of Santas in the world.
Here is the story he tells kids when they realize this phenomenon:
“My great, great, great, great grandpa was the original Santa. He and his wife had all boys, and they went to regular school, and then attended Santa College.
“Now every one of us goes to Santa College to learn about being Santa. And here’s the deal: We all have certain areas we cover. That’s why we Santas look a little different, but we’re all related. It would be hard for me to be everywhere at one time. Sure, there’s magic involved, but magic can only get you so much.”
Santa then recalled the reaction he got when he told this story to a boy who questioned his identity.
“The boy turned to his grandma and said, ‘Grandma, now I understand why one’s a little taller, one’s a little bigger, some’s got deeper voices, and some’s a little different. It’s a family business!’ ”
As with any business, Santa admits it costs money to keep it all going. So when Santa’s not living at the North Pole, he’s residing in Lambertville and working at Sam’s Club, where he’s been recently spotted pumping gas for customers.
He also said he enjoys checking on the kids, making sure they aren’t fighting in the car, and wearing their seatbelts.
“When they ask me why I work at Sam’s Club, I tell them I got to feed the reindeer, and reindeer feed is not cheap. Then I show them photos on my cell phone of me in my suit feeding Blitzen at the farm, and me at the North Pole in my chair at the workshop, and me with Mrs. Claus with our humongous wreath at home.”
Santa also has to maintain his seven suits, dozens of white gloves, several pairs of black boots with jingle bells, and a very special Santa bracelet, given to him by his elves.
He also buys lots of yarn for Mrs. Claus, who makes her own homemade Christmas outfits.
So, boys and girls, with Santa’s visit only five days away, this is the advice he shared for those who don’t want to be put on the naughty list:
“Listen to mom and dad, be kind to other children, and go to sleep early on Christmas Eve because Mrs. Claus wants me home for breakfast in the morning.”
First Published December 20, 2015, 5:00 a.m.
