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Santa having tough time keeping up with toy technology
Boys’ and girls’ wishes for computerized toys this year have caused Santa and Mrs. Claus to upgrade their toy-making factory at the North Pole, including the retraining of the elves.
Southsiders Ken and Nancy Baldauff helped The Times catch up with the jolly old elf and his wife recently and learned that the Barbie Doll is still popular with girls. But both girls and boys issued strong pleas for the Nintendo DS, iPods, MP3s and even their own cell phones.
Both Santa and Mrs. Claus were flabbergasted as they handed out candy canes to the excited line of youngsters. But after a call to the Toy Shop at the North Pole, old St. Nick said it is possible to meet many of the wishes this Christmas.
That is… if they have been good boys and girls.
In an interview, here is what Santa and Mrs. Claus had to say about children and their big day Dec. 25.
Will you have enough toys and presents for all of the boys and girls of the world?
Ho-ho-ho, my elves and I have been working night and day in hopes of meeting most wishes.
How are you able to visit so many homes around the world on Christmas Eve?
With a bit of magic, I stop time — but just for awhile. The presents have to be carefully placed around the tree, and stockings hanging from the fireplace mantel have to be filled with candy and surprises.
Is it all work for you?
Oh my, no. Part of the joy of making deliveries is reading children’s dear, sweet notes to me… and, of course, eating peanut butter sandwiches, cookies and drinking hot chocolate that they have waiting for me.
What does Santa mean to boys and girls?
Sleigh… reindeer… North Pole. The excitement of receiving gaily wrapped gifts, and being remembered as a kid, I would suppose. And over the years, like Santa, they begin to experience the joy of giving as well as receiving.
What do you see in a child’s eyes when they greet you?
Oh, that’s the best part of being Santa, you see. Mrs. Claus and I have talked about that several times. It’s the look of awe, hope, gladness and love when they come face-to-face with Santa after a whole year. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Santa, if you could make a wish for all of the boys and girls of the world, what would it be?
That they all would experience love and appreciation from their parents, and be respected for their individual differences by others. That they would be cared for and taught to be responsible citizens while growing up in a peaceful, happy world.
Thank you, Santa.
Thank you, and please extend my best wishes to Rosemary Cunningham there in Greenwood. Ho-ho-ho… and good night.
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