‘Must be Santa’
As the countdown towards the end of the twenty-ten’s decade drew to a close, I’ve received yet another life inside of a snow globe window of opportunity to spend this last holiday season engaging in conversation with the man behind the “Ho, ho, ho’s, cherry nose, cap on head, suit that’s red, on a special night, with a beard that’s white,” and that man is none other than the professional Santa Claus, Kevin Kolva of Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland County. Spread a little holiday cheer as Old Saint Kolva shares with us the true meaning of Christmas.
Greetings and salutations, Santa Claus! How are you and Mrs. Claus doing on this lovely holiday season?
We are Jubilant! This is our time of the year! The elves are working overtime and we’ll be ready for the 24th. We had our fill of turkey, which helps to make sure I’ll fit in my suit!
What do you plan on getting Mrs. Claus for Christmas this year?
A one-of-a-kind crystal snowflake for her collection.
Why do you recall Rudolph as the famous reindeer of all?
Because he lit my way during the worst blizzard of all time. If it wasn’t for his nose, I don’t know how I would have delivered my gifts that year.
Whose genius idea was it to select a group of reindeers as your chauffeurs?
Reindeer are utilized quite a bit where I live. Since they pulled my sleigh prior to me becoming an Immortal, they were the obvious choice for guiding me on my yearly trip. A little Christmas magic helps them fly on December 24th!
What’s life like living at the North Pole?
It is beautiful. It can get a little cold at times but everything is climate controlled, so indoors we are always comfy and snug.
OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS CAROLING ENCOURAGES THE COMMUNITY TO HELP SPREAD THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
So Santa, what are the children asking for this year?
Hatchimals, Legos, Grumblies, X-Box, PS4, iPhones, laptops, etc. But they still ask for baseball bats, dollies, sleds and the ever popular Radio Flyer wagon. Some things never change.
What has been the most unique gift request you’ve ever gotten for Christmas thus far?
Some of the most unique gift requests are usually ones Santa can’t fill. I have many people ask about seeing deceased relatives for just one last time or have someone released from a correctional facility to share the holidays with their family. I am heart broken by these requests but there are some things I just don’t have the power to do.
Enlighten us about the Naughty and Nice list?
If you’re naughty, coal. If you’re nice, gift. It’s a very easy system. And don’t just be nice in December; you have to be nice the year through!
What’s your favorite cookie?
Chocolate Chip (second is sugar).
What’s your favorite drinking beverage, milk or eggnog?
Milk while on my travels and then a nice glass of eggnog when I return home!
In your opinion, what is the true meaning of Christmas?
That above all else, we are all human and as humans we must learn to respect and help each other, not only at Christmas but throughout the year. Christmas belongs in our hearts year round! I think the world would be a much better place if we all kept the Spirit of Christmas alive every day.
How do you deliver presents to boys and girls ominously across the world in just one night?
Being an Immortal, I have the ability to suspend time. It takes me a little longer to deliver all those packages, but no one is the wiser.
‘SANTA VERY SOON WILL COME OUR WAY’
What is your favorite part about Christmas?
I love everything about Christmas! But I would have to say my favorite part is coming home to Mrs. Claus after all the packages have been delivered, knowing there are many happy children waking up on Christmas morning.
Simply put for the spirit of Christmas, what would you like to say to all the young boys and girls reading this?
Be loving, kind and gentle. Think of others as you do yourself. Stay true to who you are and let others be themselves without judgment or scorn.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!