48 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 19-25, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com FACE TO FACE Sometime around the year 280, according to legend, a bearded man began providing for those in need—particularly children. He was given the name of Nicholas and said to be a saint. Over the centuries, other cultures began telling similar stories. Known by many names—Sinter Klaas here, Kris Kringle there, Father Christmas and so on—a pattern began to develop. By the 1800s the jolly old elf we know as Santa Claus was delivering presents on Christmas. In brief, that’s what we know of his early years. We understand much more about Santa now—his workshop, the names of his reindeer. By the time Clement Clark Moore captured his antics in rhyme, Santa was a feature of Christmas. In 1881, illustrator Thomas Nast finally presented his image in print. By 1955, NORAD was tracking Santa’s flight around the world. No longer a mystery, Santa began celebrating the holidays more publicly, appearing at parades and shops in the weeks leading up to the big day. The Weekly caught up with Santa at Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey, where he had been visiting with children. Weekly: How do you manage to be in so many places? Santa: As Santa, I have the ability to warp time at my will. It makes it easy to be in a lot of places. And that’s why you’ve lived so long? Why do you have so many different names? Yes, it helps with the longevity. Different cultures have connected to the feeling of Christmas and presented it in their own way. What keeps you going? That thrill. You just finish speaking with one child and turn to the next, and that presence is there. It’s a magical exchange. That feeds me. People will ask me the best part of being Santa. I say, “What’s the best part of being you?” Because time is so different for me, from Dec. 26 to the 23rd of December next year is a blissful time warp experience for me. I don’t need rest. I live Christmas all year long. Do you have a favorite Christmas song? Ho, ho, ho! The classics are classics for a reason. But I must say, I like some of the creative new songs, like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” Did that really happen? She wasn’t hurt. The songwriter took some liberties with the lyrics. How about the story of Rudolph? Did that happen like on the TV show? What a great question. Everybody sees and feels Christmas differently. Every interpretation is true to the way the person wants to see it. Christmas is more of a feeling than a story. To tell the truth, Santa is more of a feeling than a person. The delivery of presents is also a magical experience. Houses don’t have fireplaces like they used to. In general, it’s Christmas magic. The details are secondary. A lot of people leave you cookies. Do you have a favorite? The next cookie. Ho, ho, ho! You don’t need to ask about Santa’s belly. Going back to songs and TV, do you get royalties from any of that? Fortunately, like my advantage with the concept of time, I have an advantage with the concept of abundance. Although Christmas has been commercialized, I need not the trappings of the commercial world. Why the North Pole? I chose the North Pole as a secret getaway. I need a veil of secrecy for the work that I do. I couldn’t plant myself at Pebble Beach, although I do like to visit Pebble Beach. Santa loves the game of golf. I have found the joy of wherever the ball wants to go. They have minds of their own, you know. Ho, ho, ho! Is there anything your workshop can’t make? You’re a Christmas aficionado [pats me on the head]. Just as technology has advanced for everybody else, the technology in our world continues to advance. My elves are able to make anything and everything. Do law enforcement agencies ask you about naughty list technology? I’ve never had that question. They have asked. The naughty list technology is patented. My confidentiality agreement with the children of the world does not allow me to disclose it. Really I just want to know which list I’m on. Which list do you think you’re on? Have you been naughty or nice? You know the answer. The deepest gift is the gift of what Christmas brings out in you. Nick Of Time For Santa Claus, the spirit of the season is still magical, even after centuries of giving. By Dave Faries Santa Claus makes several appearnces in Monterey County before the big day. He explains that an ability to manipulate time allows his reindeer-drawn sleigh to reach homes around the world. DAVE FARIES SHOP. EAT. STAY. LOCAL Find local businesses at montereychamber.com/list SHOP SMALL spread cheer & shop local this holiday season!
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