Santa Claus is comin' to town

Dec. 23—Twas a few days before Christmas, and the Register caught up to Santa at Lynwood, and he answered questions only he could.

We told him there are kids with questions about holiday cheer, and he said, "There's no need to worry because Santa is here."

Christmastime is a magical time, of course — but how does it all work?

How does Santa transport presents for every child around the world?

"We're able to concentrate all the toys real small, and they'll go into the sack in the sleigh. Then when I get to your house, I can just wave my finger and they'll go back to their original size."

Santa went on to explain that this is how he is also able to bring his naughty and nice list along for the long sleigh ride.

Speaking of a long sleigh ride, the Register asked, how can travel around the world in a single night?

"Because we do not have a speed limit", says Santa Claus, adding how when we are driving our cars we should always obey safety laws. "We also don't have to have stop for gas since the sleigh is pulled by the reindeer."

Winter weather can also be a difficult obstacle to overcome, especially on foggy nights.

But luckily, Santa has thought of everything, saying, "Things were not like they used to be."

"I have reindeerdar", Santa mentioned, explaining that it works similarly to radar. "You see, the reindeer antlers work like antennas and send information to my sleigh computer. It allows me to see things around me even on foggy nights, and keeps me from running into things so I can ensure everyone gets their presents Christmas Eve."

His magical powers allow him to get into all homes, even when they are locked; however, Santa also added that the City of Richmond pitched in a helping hand this year to let him walk right in the door.

"Not everyone has a chimney like they used to," Santa said. "But in Richmond, they gave me the key to the city, so I'm still able to get into homes safely to leave the presents and have some milk and cookies."

As our time with Santa grew to a close, he had these parting words to say, "What I want everybody to do is to have the spirit of Christmas in their heart year-round. Glad Tidings to all, and goodwill toward all men. This one everybody needs to know."