March 26, 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

‘I’m so excited for this journey’ Schlueter to open restaurant in former Scratch location

October 10, 2022

October 10, 2022

40 Eighty-Eight is coming to St. Joseph. Owner Christian Schlueter said he chose the name for his new restaurant because...

Senior spotlight… Lindsey Aden

January 2, 2020

January 2, 2020

What are your plans after high school? I hope to attend Stanford University to double major in political science and...

Williams to be inducted into Hall of Fame

October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

Larry Williams feels honored. Williams will be inducted into the SJO Hall of Fame on Friday during the Homecoming Football...

10 things you don’t know about me… Toni Barnes

December 12, 2019

December 12, 2019

We recently asked St. Joseph-Ogden Assistant Volleyball coach Toni Barnes to reflect on the season and tell us 10 things...

10 things you don’t know about me….. Gerald McClendon

September 6, 2019

September 6, 2019

St. Joseph resident and owner of Little Bear Hauling Gerald McClendon tells us 10 things about himself! My favorite childhood...

‘I’m so thankful and grateful for this opportunity’

February 11, 2022

February 11, 2022

Amy Gibbons is celebrating a birthday. Salon 192 opened two years ago today. “The past two years have definitely been...

Michael looking to the future with coaching job

August 23, 2019

August 23, 2019

Nate Michael spent his youth playing basketball in every form.  After graduating this spring from McKendree University, the 6-foot-3, 180-pound...

St. Joseph man peacefully protests against police brutality: ‘We need to listen’

June 4, 2020

June 4, 2020

Jon Arteaga isn’t looking for any praise by protesting at the corner of Main Street and Route 150 in St....

10 things you don’t know about me… Cliff Hastings

October 14, 2022

October 14, 2022

We asked the owner of Prime Time Volleyball and the Parkland Head Volleyball Coach to tell us 10 interesting facts...

Appl can hear the good news, and that’s a good thing

May 8, 2019

May 8, 2019

Ten years ago, Candi Appl was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disease that usually affects...

Kelso add commercial space for rent

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Josh Kelso wants to help expand commercial space in St. Joseph. The owner of Kelso Heating and Cooling knows how...

Marching Spartans to perform at U of I

October 25, 2019

October 25, 2019

After last marching band season band director Chuck Hess began searching for a new a show. He wanted a show...

Grindley keeps positive attitude during pandemic

May 26, 2020

May 26, 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic that we are all experiencing, it’s just not high school athletes that are being affected. Lucas...

Ingram to fly high as a Redbird

June 14, 2019

June 14, 2019

Kalli Ingram had a simple audition for the Illinois State University Dance Team. Ingram was in Washington D.C for the...

Senior Spotlight… Jillian Plotner

January 23, 2020

January 23, 2020

What are your plans after you leave SJO?I plan on studying forensic anthropology. I haven’t decided what school yet! If...

Comments
Leave a Reply