January 30, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

10 things you don’t know about me… Santa Claus

This week the Record asked Santa Claus 10 questions about himself and he took time out of his very busy schedule to answer!

Santa will be visiting the St. Joseph Stanton Fire House this Saturday! Santa arrives at 10:30 a.m. and before that there is a pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. There will also be cookie decorating, coloring and other activities.

What is your favorite type of cookie?
My favorite cookies are big round and square ones but I don’t know if I ever saw a bad cookie, even the low cal ones Mrs. Claus makes for me.

What is your favorite part of delivering presents?
My favorite part of delivering presents is catching parents playing with the children’s toys and knowing in the morning there will be some smiling faces on the children.

What do the reindeer do during the offseason?
In the offseason the reindeer spend most of their time eating and running because they have to stay in shape for the next Christmas. They give the elves special sleigh rides so they all have fun.

What is the best part of the Christmas season?
The best part of the Christmas season is watching families go to church to worship the “Reason for the Season” the birth of the Christ Child that would save the souls of many by His sacrifice on the Cross. Next would be seeing the generosity of the people to help those with needs that they can’t meet themselves. Next would be to see all the joy that abounds with people of all ages during this time when opening gifts from loved ones and Santa. Next would be all of the delicious foods – the cookies, the candies, and the big family meals.

What do you enjoy most about visiting with children?
I love to see the sparkle of hope in their eyes. Wishing and hoping for that special thing. Even the ones that don’t know what they would like to have still have that hope for “surprises” on Christmas morning. They believe.

What is the best part about traveling the world on Christmas Eve night?
The best part about making it around the world on Christmas Eve is that we can actually get it done in one night. The only problem is that I don’t get to really spend enough time with the boys and girls. I guess that is the parent’s job to have fun with the kids. Parents remember it is not about the presents but about your presence.

What is your favorite present to give?
Giving a gift that will produce learning and/or fun and last a long time is what I like to give. Dolls and toy trucks come to mind. Children today want electronic games. Santa’s rule is an hour on electronic games (no more the two hours a day) equals one hour outside playing active games even when it’s cold and snowing.

What is your favorite Christmas song?
My favorites would have to be “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Joy to the World”.

What do you do during your offseason?
There is no offseason with Santa since we have to be getting ready for the next Christmas BUT I do like to take a break now and then and get away to visit places like Kenya, Brazil, Iceland to go hiking, camping, kayaking, even sitting on a warm beach and other outdoor sports we can’t do at the North Pole. All work and no play makes Santa a dull Ole’ Boy.

Why is Christmas important?
The World was becoming a very dark and sad place on that first Christmas when the Christ Child was born to bring a New Light into the World. Because of Christmas, many good and wonderful things happen to and for people of all ages. As the dark days of Winter come it is good to have some days with a little glitter and light that Christmas brings.

Merry Christmas to All!

in People
Banner
Related Posts

10 things you don’t know about me… Jim Wagner

June 13, 2019

June 13, 2019

Every week we ask an area resident to share 10 things we don’t know about them—this week is St. Joseph...

10 things you don’t know about me… Cindy Berry-Rajlich

September 11, 2019

September 11, 2019

Every week we ask an area resident to give us 10 facts about themselves. This week we talked to Cindy...

Mabry shares social media tips for businesses

April 30, 2019

April 30, 2019

Laura Mabry knows what it takes to help businesses be successful using social media. Mabry shared those techniques with the...

Senior Spotlight… Max Chatterton

January 17, 2020

January 17, 2020

What are your post high school plans?After high school, I am planning on enrolling at Parkland College and will be...

St. Joseph Community Garage Sales Spring 2025

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

5 505 N 4th St.Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 8am-2pmClothing, toddler to adult (all sizes) household items, toys, craft items, lots of...

Ceremony to honor Edwards scheduled for Thursday

December 9, 2020

December 9, 2020

A Gift of Hope Flag raising ceremony will be held on Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. at the St, Joseph-Ogden...

Get to know to know SJO Senior Marching Band member Maya Hewkin

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

My favorite thing about marching band is the connection between the students. Being in band is like being a part...

10 things you don’t know about me…the SJO girls basketball team

February 22, 2019

February 22, 2019

After this weekend, Maclayne Taylor will have 12 state medals and has been apart of five team state trophies.  ...

Allen reflects on Addams Family performance

April 6, 2022

April 6, 2022

Logan Allen loved performing with his friends. Allen played Lucas in the Addams Family which the St. Joseph-Ogden Drama Department...

SJO grad McElroy blossoms at Millikin, both in volleyball and in life

October 3, 2019

October 3, 2019

Marissa McElroy loves volleyball. And in turn, the sport has helped the St. Joseph-Ogden graduate love herself. The 6-foot-3 senior...

Kids say… what does a farmer do all day?

January 15, 2020

January 15, 2020

We asked students to tell us what they think a farmer does all day. Here are their answers. Bailey: I...

Kids say… St. Joseph Second Grade

March 14, 2019

March 14, 2019

Every week we ask five students from a local school to answer a question on a worksheet. This week the...

10 things you don’t know about me… Tonya Yeazel

September 5, 2019

September 5, 2019

Every week we ask a St. Joseph area resident to tell us 10 things we don’t know about them. This...

SJO community mourns death of Chris Knipfer: ‘He truly had a heart of gold’

November 22, 2019

November 22, 2019

Chris Knipfer always wanted to help. “He would do anything for anyone,” said Jason Retz, the cross-country coach at St....

Giving back: PVO helps out Abernathy family with fundraiser

October 15, 2019

October 15, 2019

The Prairieview-Ogden community knows how to come together. And tonight is no exception. Corey Abernathy, who was an assistant coach...

Comments
Leave a Reply