No one is busier at Christmas time than Santa Claus. Despite his schedule, Vibe’s Jim Palmer managed to grab a few minutes with Bluewater’s Santa to pick his brains about Christmas, how he gets his work done and whether or not Jim is on the naughty list…

Hi Santa, how has your festive season been? What have you been up to?

Ho, ho, ho Jim, welcome to my Ice Palace Grotto.

My festive season has been great; it’s the most glorious time of the year, isn’t it! It is busy, that never changes, but I’m not exhausted, I’m energized.

I love the work I do and consider myself blessed to be able to bring happiness and joy to so many people.

Since the end of November, I’ve been taking a little break from the North Pole, soaking up the festive cheer at Bluewater’s Winter Wonderland; it’s been such a pleasure to meet the smiling, happy faces of the children.  

They are the ones that make Christmas so magical for me.

How do you decide if a child’s been good or bad?

It comes with years of practice, but I never reveal all the tricks of the trade. But, I can tell you that I like to stay in touch with how all the girls and boys are behaving, so parents send me regular reports about their children. The little ones have to be good all year round, not just in December!

How do you know where to deliver presents to if a child’s staying with their grandparent or other family for the holiday?

As Santa, you have to be very knowledgeable and do a good job of keeping track of all of the youngsters over the Christmas period. I’ve been doing the job for a long time so it comes with experience, that’s for sure.

Parents and elves work together to ensure that no child is left without a gift. That help us make sure every child awakens with a little something under the tree from us, no matter where they are.

News Shopper:

Santa met X Factor stars Only the Young at Bluewater's Winter Wonderland

Do you still come down the chimney – how do you deliver to houses with no chimney?

No, of course we don’t always go down the chimney, one must adapt to the times and the type of house. I’ve been known to squeeze through windows, dog doors and even the letterbox – where there’s a will there’s a way!

Christmas is obviously a really busy time for you, how do you cope with the workload?

It’s extremely busy, but in the off season I’m careful to keep physically fit by eating a healthy diet and going to weekly yoga and Pilates classes. That’s Mrs. Claus’ influence.

Don’t forget my team - Rudolf and the other reindeers, the elves, it would not be possible with the help from a great team!

News Shopper:

Santa at the Bluewater lights switch-on.

What do you do from January through to November? How do you spend your spare time?

We have a holiday for a few weeks it’s much needed rest time for the whole team. Then, while Mrs. Claus goes sale shopping I get planning for next year.

Will I be getting presents or a lump of coal in my stocking this year?

You’ll have to wait till the big day I’m afraid, Jim. Ho, ho, ho.