Xander Greer, left, ponders what gift he wants to ask Santa for Christmas while visiting with him on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Santa’s house in Rochester.

Text and Photos
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — Santa Claus is super busy this time of the year, but he does still have time to sit down with the press.

He graciously made time between visits with kids at his house at Rochester’s Centennial Park on Wednesday, Dec. 18, to be interviewed by InkFreeNews’ sister publication, The Shopping Guide News of Fulton County.

One of the things he discussed was regarding his new residence, built this year by Rochester High School students.

“This is awesome,” he said of the home. “They did a wonderful job.”

He added Rochester Community Schools’ art students may possibly decorate the interior walls in the future. Santa decorated the inside of the house himself with pictures done by kids.

“Hopefully next year, I’ll have a cork board in here (to place them on),” he said.

Santa said he’d visited with several hundred kids this year. He estimated he saw about 200 when he arrived at the Rochester Downtown Partnership’s Holiday Stroll on Dec. 6 and at least 20 each time since then when he had open hours at his house several times a week.

He described the Christmas spirit in Rochester this year as “being really good.”

“It’s awesome,” Santa said of it.

He noted top gifts kids have asked for include PlayStation gaming systems, Legos and Matchbox racetracks.

“Of course, Barbie,” he added. “Everybody loves Barbie, and the little ones want a baby doll with a bottle.”

Though she wasn’t able to make the trip with him this year, Mrs. Claus is “doing fine,” he said.

“She’s back at the North Pole keeping track of the elves,” Santa said. “She’ll probably be here next year.”

He also shared about his reindeer. Some of them visited at the Holiday Stroll and the Akron Chamber of Commerce’s Open House on Dec. 15.

“Most of them are staying back at the North Pole, and they’re all ready and anxious to go,” said Santa.

He noted what keeps him going during the long hours of delivering gifts on Christmas Eve across the world is just focusing on the kids.

As for treats people can leave out for him, Santa said he prefers sugar cookies with icing.

He said he isn’t particular about the type of icing.

“As long as it’s sweet, Santa’s happy,” Santa said.

He said he’s adjusting to the warmer climate while being down in Fulton County.

“I wish we had a lot more snow. It’s been a little warm down here from what I’m used to,” he said. “I’m praying for snow on Christmas.”

“Everybody else is asking me for presents. I’m talking to God for snow,” Santa added.

He wished people “a merry Christmas.”

“I’m hoping the kids are all happy with what I deliver,” Santa said.

Kynedi Ogle, left, poses with Santa at his home in Rochester on Wednesday, Dec. 18.