Name: Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, Papa Noel, etc.
Job Title: CEO
Office Location: North Pole
The big guy in the red suit is a booklover, too! Who knew? (We did.) From films to cookies, we got the scoop on a few of Santa’s favorite things as he took a little time away from the workshop to have a fireside chat. Enjoy!
What’s your favorite part of the job, you know, being the world’s best gift giver?
Spreading joy. They say it’s better to give than to receive and, you know, it really is true! Knowing that I can help add a bit of cheer to someone’s day, even if just for a moment, even if it’s just once a year, that makes the frequent flyer miles worth it.
What is your all-time favorite book or movie?
Hmm. Oh! Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. That’s always a fun read. Of course, I do the whole “around the world” thing better than most, but Phileas Fogg makes a pretty good effort.
No spoilers, Santa!
It was published in 1872!
Fair point. What about your favorite film?
Oh, anything with Meryl Streep. Me and the Mrs. love Meryl.
You and the Academy, clearly. No Christmas movies?
Meh. They almost never get me right in the Christmas movies. Although, Miracle on 34th Street is pretty close.
What’s your favorite cookie?
HO HO HO! All of them!
Come on, everyone has a favorite.
I’m a classic man. You can never go wrong with a good chocolate chip or sugar cookie. I was at a house in New Haven that had a matcha green tea shortbread cookie once.
Oooh, fancy!
It had dark chocolate ganache! Darn tasty.
…Is Santa allowed to say “Darn”?
Yes, he is.
Okay. What are you reading right now?
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore.
Ah. Now we’re on brand.
Well, it’s game time.
Favorite reindeer?
Nope. You’re not going to get me in trouble.
Oh, come on! I’ll tell you my favorite if you tell me yours.
You’re getting coal in your stocking.
Fine. Never mind. What TV show or movie are you embarrassed to admit you love?
I’m pretty busy year-round so I don’t watch too much TV. It takes a lot to pull off so much in one evening. Mrs. Claus watches 90-Day Fiancé from time to time, though.
She DOES?
You can’t tell her I told you that.
…is Santa allowed to lie?
Santa is allowed to omit.
Hmm. What is something, other than that, that people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m lactose intolerant.
Oh no!
It’s not that bad. I just take my medicine the day of Christmas Eve and move on. …except that one time I forgot. ’72. That was a rough night.
Alright, speaking of moving on. What do you like to do in your free time?
Roller skate.
Really?!
Oh yes, Mrs. Claus and I love to roller skate.
To what song?!
Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees.
Well, this has been a treat. Anything else you’d like to add?
There’s still time to make the nice list, kiddos!
All Half Price Books stores will close early on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day, but our bibliomaniacs will be back and ready to help you find the perfect book on December 26. Until then, Season’s Readings from our HPB family to yours!