We went to the North Pole to meet Santa but he was busy getting ready for his travels. The spokesperson for Santa is Sanoma - the chatty elf. He told us so many secrets about Santa.....which we can reveal here....
How do reindeers fly?
"Reindeer can fly thanks to a magic lichen that can only grow here in the North Pole,” confirms Sanoma the Elf. “The elves responsible for the reindeer (also called Holhoojas) are the only ones who know where this lichen grows and how to make the potion that activates its magical properties.” Reindeer must nevertheless follow a strict training program for several years if they hope to make the cut for the mythical Sleigh team. “In 2011, we're going to have a new recruit. This only happens once or twice every century!” Kaino, the young reindeer recruit is fast becoming a star in the village. Santa mentions him in a a few messages because he has a camera set up in his stable!
How many elves are there in the Village?
Although Sanoma won't give us an exact number, the enthusiastic elf is more than happy to tell us (for the first time!) about what they do.
“Each elf has an important role to play during our Christmas preparations. First of all, there are the Crafticians. These elves are in charge of the workshop and are certainly the most magical of us all. Over the years, they have learned a million different ways to make toys and they haven't disappointed children yet! Next are the Holhoojas. Their claim to fame is that they are responsible for Santa's reindeer. They spend all day with the animals and can even talk to them!
Last, but not least are the Postationists who not only manage the Post Office, but also take care of all communication with the outside world. I'm proud to say that I've been a Postationist for 694 years!”.
What does Santa Claus do when there is no chimney?
Sanoma winces a little when he hears this question. “Santa's not ready to give up ALL of his secrets, you know... Let's just say that no home is Santa-proof!”
Even we couldn’t get an “official” answer to this question, the but we think we have a few theories. From what we can tell, it seems possible that the elves can shrink certain people using magic. Some have described Santa as being a few inches tall. Other rumours we heard claim that Santa can appear when and where he wants to, simply by twitching his nose. We will try to find out more about this on our next visit to the North Pole.
What does Santa do when there is a fire in the chimney?
Contrary to popular belief, Santa does not simply put the fire out. “Santa's costume is fireproof,” explains Sanoma the elf, “and Santa himself has a few magic tricks to help him resist fire. Furthermore, natural elements like water, earth, wind and fire have if little, if any, effect on him at all.” When asked about these “magic tricks”, Sanoma calmly replies, “Each secret in its own time...”
How does Santa deliver all his presents in only one night?
Very few people know that Santa can control the rotation of the Earth... and therefore, he also controls time! We were lucky enough to see the Great Pendulum which is right next to Santa's office. Only the Invengineers and Santa know how it works to slow down, or even stop, time!
Does Santa eat the cookies that are left out for him?
Sanoma the elf laughs loudly at this question. “Oh yes! He eats ALL of them!.” The only time of the year Santa is allowed to eat cookies is on Christmas Eve, so he really takes advantage of it! All cookies are thus most welcome on the night of his big trip, but we can confirm Santa’s favorite are chocolate chip!
How does Santa know if you've been naughty or nice?
This year, Santa has agreed to tell the entire world one of his operation's best-kept secrets: only 1% of the elf population lives in the Village. The majority of elves live here on Earth... in our homes, offices and schools. And they're keeping an eye on us! These elves report back to Santa to tell him what all the children are doing… and if it's naughty or nice
How do we know if there are any elves nearby?
Elves are notorious sock thieves! If a sock disappears in your house, chances are that there's an elf around. They also sometimes leave marks on mirrors or move small objects around the house. If you find a loose cap on a tube of toothpaste, it could be a clue. Some elves love its minty taste! "Of course, elves know how to be discreet, says the 'spokeself' Sanoma. But sometimes they love the children of the house they are surveiling so much they leave a few hints of their presence behind." So if you notice these things in your home, it's probably because you have been visited by an elf... and he likes you!
Where is Santa's Village?
For obvious reasons, Sanoma the elf refuses to answer this question: “Santa has managed to keep its location secret for centuries…”. What we do know is that there are at least three “portals” between our world and Santa’s; two are in North America (one in Alaska and the other in Canada) and the other is in the Lapland region of Finland, near the village of Rovaniemi.
Does Santa wear anything other than his famous red suit?
“Of course! He has several other costumes, but now that I think of it… they’re all red too!” admits Sanoma the elf with a big smile. “Actually, kids who will get a message using the video messaging service this year will be able to see what Santa wears at home.”
Does Santa Claus have any children?
Sanoma the elf seems a little confused as he answers this question. “Why, of course he does! He has millions of children… all over the world!” For Santa, all the children of the world are his children, as are his elves and his pets.
Does Santa have any pets?
“He sure does! There are all kinds of animals in the Village. Santa and Mrs. Claus take good care of them – they LOVE animals! In fact, they tend to be a little more generous with kids that love and take care of animals too!” explains Sanoma the elf. Santa can communicate with animals, just like the Hoolhojas (the elves who take care of the reindeer) do. Santa addresses them just like he would any human or elf, and all animals seem to absolutely love him !
Why does Santa have a long white beard?
“Some people say that his beard protects him from the cold,” whispers Sanoma before looking around to make sure nobody is listening, “but I happen to know that he has always had it and that he always will!”
Does Santa get any presents at Christmas?
“Oh… he gets a whole bunch,” says Sanoma the elf. “Every time a little boy or a little girl does something nice or kind, Santa gets a present. For him, the best presents are simple things that come straight from the heart.”