How long have you been doing this job?
Well, I've been doing this for as long as I can remember. I don't keep track of the years, as each one is more magical than the last.
How do you spend your summer?
If I'm honest, I am very fond of my hot chocolate and warm blankets during the cold weather. However, when it gets warmer, I do enjoy a spot of fishing - although I've never yet caught anything. I shall not give up: Santa Claus never gives up.
Would you ever shave off your beard?
Oh! Nothing scares me more. I don't know what's worse, the thought of a sharp object approaching my face or not being recognised by all the children. Both make me tremble.
How would you react if a child saw you leaving presents under the tree?
Well, this question takes me back to a nerve-racking experience I once had. A little girl, not older than four, walked up to me in the middle of the night and tugged at my jacket. I could barely feel her pull - her hands were so small. She stared up at me and said: 'why did you eat my cookie?' I was speechless as I dusted off the remaining crumbs from my beard - I'd been caught red-handed. So, to answer your question, I would do exactly the same thing I did then: I would sit down, with the little one on my lap, and ask him or her what he or she wanted for Christmas and send them off to bed. All will be well in the morning.
Does Mrs Claus ever join you in delivering the presents?
Oh no, certainly not. She suffers from severe motion sickness so she is more than happy to stay at home. She is the brains behind everything and looks after everyone. My reindeer won't spend a day without seeing her, especially Rudolf. She organises and plans my routes every single year; I couldn't do it alone. You know the saying 'behind every great man, there is a great woman'? Well, that's Mrs Claus.
What is the strangest snack a child has ever left you?
I don't know where to begin. A child once left me one lonely jelly-bean on a giant plate, with a block of cheese for my reindeers and a spoonful of yoghurt as I imagine they'd ran out of milk. Another child left me half her supper, which I thought was rather clever. My reindeers devoured her Brussels-sprouts.
What is your favourite cookie?
A round one: I'm easy to please.
How do you feel about all the people who dress up as Santa all over the world?
I feel flattered and find many of them quite entertaining. I always find the slim Santas the most amusing, even though Mrs Claus always tells me I should aspire to be like them and eat a few thousand less cookies every Christmas. But at the end of the day, it's all about spreading the Christmas cheer - hats off to them all.