Some call him Father Christmas or St. Nicholas, or in other countries Gwiazdor (Switzerland), or as my grandmother calls him Sinterklaas (Holland). In Miracle on 34th Street (the 1947 original of course) an actor played Santa, and little Susan Walker (Natalie Wood) simply called him Kris.

Whatever moniker you use, the jolly old elf took a few minutes for a quick question-and-answer session with the Peninsula News Review earlier this week. Though he’s busy preparing for the parade and other festivities in Sidney, and around the world, Santa Claus took the time to answer a few important questions for kids young and old on the Peninsula. “Christmas is a time for sharing and you might want to share some of their many toys with somebody that may not be as fortunate as they are,” Santa recommended. “I also like to think that the best gift that people can give and receive is love.”

Also visit online at www.peninsulanewsreview.com to see a special video message from Santa, just for kids on the Peninsula.

PNR - If kids are worried they’ve been a little naughty this year is there anything they can do to make up for it?

Santa - “I like to think that all children do their best to be good. So listen to your mom and dad and be nice to your brothers and sisters and friends. If sometimes you forget to do this, remember then to say ‘I’m sorry and I’ll try better.’ If you do that, Santa will always be very happy with you.”

PNR - What if I don’t have a chimney?

Santa - “Traditionally I have always gone down the chimney, but in the new modern age Santa has many little ways of getting into children’s homes. It’s part of what you might call magic. And it’s a secret that Santa has to protect. If you don’t have a chimney don’t worry, Santa will be there.”

PNR - If I stay up late on Christmas Eve will I get to see you?

Santa - “Oh, ho, ho, ho, now you’re being dangerous. You had better be asleep, because Santa only comes when you’re fast asleep. So go to bed early and be ready to get up early in the morning to see what Santa has left you.”

PNR - Should I leave cookies for you? What kind?

Santa - “Oh you bet. You can tell by my size that I like to eat. But Mrs. Claus is trying to get me to slim down so I’ll have skim milk and shortbread cookies and maybe a Christmas orange on the side. Maybe you could leave an apple or maybe a carrot for the reindeer.”

PNR - What if I’m not at my usual house at Christmas?

Santa - I have a way of knowing where you will always be because Santa knows all year long where you are and what you’re doing. So don’t worry if you go to Grandma’s or someone else’s house. But remember to be asleep.

PNR - Do you read all the letters children write to Santa?

Santa - “You bet. I spend long hours reading all the letters. I usually skim through them then give them to the elves to make sure we have enough gifts for everybody. When you’re writing to Santa don’t ask for too many things because there are only so many toys Santa can fit on the sleigh for everybody around the world.”

Santa will be in Sidney for the breakfast with Santa at the Shoal Centre on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. He’ll also appear in the Sidney Sparkles parade that night which starts at 5 p.m. beginning at Resthaven Drive onto Beacon Avenue, east to Second Street and south to Oakville Avenue. The lighted sailpast that night starts around 6 p.m.

Santa will also be at the Saanich Historical Artifact Society’s 7th annual Christmas in the Village at Heritage Acres on December 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Entry costs $10 per car load Heritage Acres, 7321 Lochside Drive (off Island View Road).

reporter@peninsulanewsreview.com