Today is the busiest day of the year for Santa Claus. His elves and reindeer are gearing up for the next 24 hours. All the while Santa’s gleefully checking his list twice and making sure that everyone who has been nice will receive their requested and long-awaited gifts.

Right now while you are reading this column, Santa is delivering presents all around the world. He’ll be working his way toward all of our homes later tonight as Christmas morning comes.

I was fortunate enough, though, to corner the jolly fellow prior to his hectic day and ask a few questions. Below is my interview with Santa Clause:

Why do you continue each and every year to brighten the lives of so many children? What keeps you going? (Santa’s response) Why the children – of course. Their smiling faces and the warmth I feel from their hearts keeps me going. The magic that keeps my sleigh afloat comes from their joy and it keeps my rosy cheeks red.

What is the hardest part about your job?

(Santa’s response) Making sure I don’t miss anyone’s house. I have been very lucky and never missed a house, but I am always nervous that I may miss just one.

What’s a typical day for you?

(Santa’s response) A typical day starts early in the morning with my exercise routine. After my Sant-ercize, I begin looking over the lists of boys and girls being naughty and nice. I make sure the elves are on pace with their toy making and that the reindeer have been fed.

How do you get all those presents in one bag and in one sleigh?

(Santa’s response) My red toy sack is magical.

It is bottomless and continues to stay full until I’ve made all my deliveries to all the children around the world.

What is your favorite food?

(Santa’s response) Milk and cookies.

Did you read the &uot;letters to Santa&uot; edition that we published in the News-Herald?

(Santa’s response) Yes. It’s a great way for all the children to tell me what they want for Christmas, especially for those who don’t get a chance to see me.

What do you want for Christmas this year?

(Santa’s response) I wouldn’t mind a new GPS navigation system.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

(Santa’s response) I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, HO! HO! HO!

And with his classic gesture, we ended our interview and he magically left the same way he arrived – on his sleigh with Rudolph leading the way.