Award winning UH Journalist - Mark McKelvey tracks down Santa in Lapland
fter many months of hard work, chasing and stalking the big guy across Lapland he agreed to answer Mark's questions.
MMcK – I would just like to say thanks for all the coal I got in my stocking as a kid. I saved it and actually heated my house for a year with it.
SC – You are quite welcome, and don't worry you earned every lump of coal I put in your stocking, trust me. You spent considerable time on the Naughty List as I recall.
MMcK- Speaking of the 'Naughty List 'how do kids actually get on it and back off it.
SC – There are really no bad children, just those that need to be guided slightly. I find children that are not doing what their parents ask them to do. Instead of sitting watching television they should be up helping their mummies and daddies around the house. Do not fight with your siblings. Keep your rooms tidy and brush their teeth both morning and night. They should also be in bed early on Christmas eve. 8pm at latest as I will be checking every house I visit.
MMcK - What kind of toys are big on the letters to Santa that you have got this year?
SC – When children put in requests to me I never make any promises. Computer arcade consoles and games have got very popular, but I have great time for children that just ask for one present and a surprise.
MMcK – It is almost Christmas. Do the elves have all the toy's ready?
SC – The Elves are on a shift system at present working around the clock to get all the presents ready. While I will be in Supervalu here in Omagh, I am in constant contact with my helpers and they inform me the sleigh is getting packed as we speak in preparation for Christmas eve.
MMcK – I have to ask, Santa, how do you get around the whole world like that, every Christmas, delivering gifts to so many millions of children, on one night?
SC - I do it every year and love every moment of it. How I do it is a secret, but let's just say that time zones are a big help to me.
MMcK – Obviously Santa, it is widely believed that you enter houses through the chimney. How do you get into houses that don't have a chimney?
SC - If you think I'm going to divulge all my secrets to someone that was on the naughty list for so long, you have another thing coming. You are lucky I even agreed to speak to you at all.
MMcK – You are an intrepid globe trotter. Is there any place in particular you look forward to visiting?
SC – I must say that County Tyrone stands out among the rest. It is full of wonderful, helpful people. I must say the staff of Supervalu have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome and everyone that came to see me there have been delightful.
MMcK - It is widely known that Rudolph has family roots in Tyrone. Is he excited when he gets to visit the area?
SC – He is getting very excited. Rudolph has his roots in Gortin Glen forest park. I will be actually visiting there today to see the reindeer that have been there resting before pulling my sleigh tonight.
MMcK – Well Santa I am sure you are busy and have a naughty and nice list to check over so don't want to keep you too long. So thanks again for this interview and Merry Christmas.
SC – I would like to wish a very special Merry Christmas to all of the children out there. Remember to be nice and I will be seeing you all real soon.
