As Christmas approaches, excitement fills the air, and what better way to celebrate than with an exclusive appearance by the man himself, Santa Claus. On a special episode of The Fame Game, Kumar de Silva and Rozanne Diasz had the unique opportunity to interview Santa Claus, who shared insights about his life, work, and philosophy.
Q: Thank you for coming, Santa. How has the North Pole been treating you this year?
A: It has been a bit windy, with air currents going all over the place, but that helped me arrive here faster, so I am here a week early.
Q: And why the dark glasses?
A: It is because of the windshield factor and the sun here in Sri Lanka. My retinas are not what they used to be, so I need some protection.
Q: Are you back with your usual Santa duties?
A: Yes, I am.
Q: How do you manage to appear so jolly with all the stress and tight timelines, delivering gifts to the world in one night?
A: I have a hearty band of little elves who help me. It is not a one-man job. Everything that appears to be a one-man effort actually involves a team. There is always someone behind the scenes helping out. The spirit of Christmas is in all of us, and teamwork makes it possible.
Q: Is there a movie that gives a true depiction of your operations?
A: Yes, there is a movie called Arthur Christmas. It is almost like a documentary and explains how I have been operating for hundreds of years. It shows that gift-giving is not as simple as the sleigh and reindeer story suggests.
Q: Many children nowadays do not believe in Santa. Why do you think that is?
A: Children are very focused on themselves these days, on gadgets and self-promotion. The true spirit of Christmas is about helping others and spreading positivity. This generation tends to be more inward-focused, which may explain why belief in Santa fades earlier.
Q: How do Christmas and Santa Claus coexist in tradition?
A: There is both a sacred and a secular side, which have come together over time. Early legends involved leaving small toys or carvings on windowsills during the winter months. Ultimately, Christmas is about kindness, sharing, empathy, love, and community. You do not need to wait until December 25 to express these values.
Q: Are there Santas in communities around the world apart from you?
A: Absolutely. There are countless Santas who do far more than I do. I am just the figurehead. Many people carry the spirit of giving throughout their towns and cities.
Q: How do you manage to slide down chimneys? Aren’t they narrow?
A: The chimney story is largely legend. There are alternative ways to deliver gifts, and not every house has a chimney. The movie Arthur Christmas shows some creative ways of delivering gifts.
Q: Do you leave gifts even if children have not been good?
A: It is not about payment or obligation. Christmas is about recognizing efforts made over the past year. Most people deserve a little reward for trying to be kind and giving.
Q: How do your reindeer contribute to your work?
A: Each year, my reindeer team works tirelessly. All the reindeer who work with me during Christmas are female because male reindeer shed their antlers by December. The females do the hard work. My lead reindeer, Rudolph, with his red nose, helps navigate the journey safely.
Q: Do you modernize your sleigh?
A: Yes, the traditional sleigh exists as a representation. We have modern fleets that allow us to deliver gifts efficiently. There are innovative solutions without bending the laws of time and space.
Q: How has technology changed the way you receive letters and requests?
A: In the past, we received letters with stamps. Now, we get messages through text, WhatsApp, Viber, and email. I refuse to use TikTok because it does not suit my attention span, but my team processes everything efficiently.
Q: Have you ever considered changing the color of your outfit?
A: There are purple and green Santas these days, but the traditional red and green remain iconic. The traditional look resonates most with the spirit of Christmas.
Q: How do you manage the commercialization of your image?
A: Money is secondary. The real currency is love. We trade in joy, kindness, and shared experiences. The brand can be commercialized, but it should never overshadow the essence of Christmas.
Q: How do you maintain your beard?
A: I travel with a stylist, who is also Mrs. Claus, because beard maintenance is crucial. Even a six-month-long beard needs proper care and oiling.
Q: What is the funniest wishlist you have received?
A: Adults can be just as whimsical as children. Requests vary from toys to luxury items like watches or cars. The most recent toy trend is Labubus, a toy with gnashing teeth, popular among children.
Q: Do you judge people by the gifts they ask for?
A: Not really. What matters is whether the items bring joy. If something brings joy, it is worth it. If not, it is best to let it go.
Q: How many elves work in your workshop?
A: They have unionized. We have a large, organized team, and our work conditions are far better than any corporation. They help manage the vast workload of gift delivery.
Q: Is Mrs. Claus always with you?
A: Yes, especially during Christmas. She handles multiple roles and takes an executive approach to operations. I may appear as the figurehead, but she is the brains behind the operation.
Q: How do you determine who has been naughty or nice?
A: We use a combination of methods. Some elves have scanning devices to measure niceness levels. Even if someone is naughty, they can receive candy if the elves deem it appropriate.
Q: Do you ever get emotional seeing people’s situations during Christmas?
A: Yes, empathy is crucial. Santa is not always about joy. Experiencing the hardships of others reminds us of the importance of spreading kindness.
Q: If you could choose another job, what would it be?
A: I have always fancied myself in amateur dramatics, so performing on stage would be enjoyable. Alternatively, being a nature commentator like David Attenborough would be fascinating. I would also love to play the Grinch in a role reversal, which is ironic but fitting.
Q: Has Mrs. Claus ever been naughty?
A: Naughty is not necessarily bad. It is more about mischief than harm. She has playful moments, and sometimes it is healthy to have a little naughtiness in life.
Q: Do you ever encounter compromising situations when entering homes?
A: Santa maintains strict boundaries. Any unusual situation is handled professionally, and Mrs. Claus is always nearby to ensure decorum.
Q: What advice would you give people about Christmas and giving?
A: Focus on outward expressions of love. Spread joy, kindness, and empathy. Do not rely solely on material gifts. Acts of giving and generosity matter most. The world would be a better place if everyone practiced love as the primary currency.
Q: What gift would you ask for if you wrote to yourself as Santa?
A: A tangible gift I could enjoy, such as a comfortable deck chair on a warm beach in Sri Lanka and a relaxing foot massage. After a year of work, even Santa deserves rest and comfort.
Q: What is the true meaning of Christmas to you?
A: Christmas is about community, empathy, love, and kindness. It is not the clothes, gifts, or rituals. It is the choice to do good, help others, and spread positivity. Christmas lives in your heart, and one does not need the Santa costume to embody its spirit.
Santa Claus’s visit to Sri Lanka was more than festive fun. It was a reminder of generosity, empathy, and community. Beyond the sleigh, gifts, and chimneys, the essence of Santa Claus is universal: love, joy, and the choice to bring light to the lives of others. As he said, acts of kindness and generosity are the true currency of life. If everyone practiced even a little, the world would be a far better place. With only a few days left until Christmas, Santa’s message resonates strongly: celebrate with love, share generously, and let joy be at the heart of the season.
