It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the Real Whiteville Santa has returned to Santa’s House just in time for Christmas. Columbus County News had the privilege of interviewing jolly ole St. Nick the other day just as he flew into town. The questions were tough, but he’s a professional, and kids have nothing to worry about with him at the reins.
As his sleigh landed, Santa jumped down and gave all his reindeer a pat on the head before he came into the office. “Who is your favorite reindeer?” we asked.
“I don’t have a favorite,” Claus said. “They have their own personalities and their own story.”
Take Donner for instance. Donner’s real name is Donder and it’s German. Santa says his real name means thunder when translated. When Blitzen joined the team, it only made sense for him to be Donner’s partner because Blitzen means lightning in the same language.
We didn’t see Rudolph leading the sleigh so we pondered about his whereabouts.
“I had to leave him in the swamp,” said Claus.
Rudolph is still a vital part of the team and is a big help on those dark and foggy nights, but here in Columbus County his big red nose causes some alarm. When he’s in the city, that bright beacon may cause Whiteville Fire Department to think there’s a fire so Santa drops Rudolph and the team off in the swamp, and Chief David Yergeau comes to pick him up in the fire truck. This is the reason why Santa’s main mode of transportation is Engine 1 when he’s in town.
Claus sat down and we offered him some lunch. He isn’t picky at all when it comes to good eats in Whiteville. He doesn’t get much time in town because he has to rush back to help Mrs. Claus feed the elves who are working so hard to make toys, but he says he loves all the food the place has to offer.
He also doesn’t have a favorite cookie. “I love big ole good ones and good ole big ones,” said Santa. He says it doesn’t matter if they are chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin. He loves to wash them down with a nice cold glass of milk.
He needs all cookies he can get because Christmas Eve is fast approaching. He has so many toys to drop off, and one has to wonder how he gets it all done.
“My reindeer fly me where ever I need to go. I also use a lot of Santa magic,” he said. The different time zones around the world help him out. Parts of Alaska stay dark a whole 24 hour this time of year and he says that’s a big help.
He delivers to all the kids on his nice list so we had to pass on the advice Claus gave us to help everyone stay on that list. “Follow the ten commandments. Especially honor thy father and thy mother,” said Santa. He also advises children to listen to other grownups too. “Do what you are told, and you will stay on the nice list,” he said as he ducked back out of the door.
Santa also invites everyone to come out to see him at the Little Santa House on Friday, Nov. 26 at 3:30 p.m. The house is located beside Farm Bureau on 113 West Smith Street in Whiteville. Normal hours will be Wednesday-Saturday from 3:30 p.m.- 7 p.m. starting on Dec. 1.
