A coffee with Mrs. Claus
It’s December, and the festive spirit is in full swing. Santa’s out there, ho-ho-ho-ing his way through every shopping centre, Christmas parade, and holiday catch up. But while he’s busy spreading cheer, there’s one unsung hero keeping the North Pole running smoothly—Mrs. Claus.
This month, we sat down with the true operational genius behind Christmas to see how she juggles the magic of the season with keeping the books balanced.
Gavin: Mrs. Claus, Christmas seems like a massive operation. How do you manage it all?
Mrs. Claus: It is, but someone’s got to do it! Santa may get all the glory, but I’m the one reconciling the accounts, ensuring the toy budget doesn’t blow out, and keeping track of reindeer maintenance costs. Thankfully, I’ve learned a few tricks over the years—planning ahead and knowing when to ask for help makes a world of difference.
Gavin: Do you face any unique challenges managing the finances of the North Pole?
Mrs. Claus: Oh, absolutely! Christmas is a one-day event, but the planning is year-round. We deal with fluctuating toy production costs, managing payroll for elves working overtime, and keeping up with rising prices for things like wrapping paper and candy canes. I have to make sure the sleigh stays full and the bank account doesn’t end up empty. Lincolns has given us some great advice along the way that’s helped us streamline things and plan for the unexpected—very handy when you’re running an operation this big!
Gavin: Sounds like you’re the real star of Christmas!
Mrs. Claus: (laughs) Santa likes to think he runs the show, but we all know he’d be lost without me and the elves. I make sure everything is organised and that we stay on budget. That way, he can focus on spreading joy—and not worry about late invoices or reindeer feed expenses!
Gavin: How do you keep everything running so smoothly during December?
Mrs. Claus: I’m a planner at heart, so I start preparing early in the year. By the time December rolls around, I’ve already reviewed the budgets, tracked all the major expenses, and made sure we’ve not forgotten anything. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have some good systems in place—staying on top of things is much easier when you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Gavin: Thanks for having us up here to visit, Mrs. Claus, it’s as magical as we have always imagined it to be. One final question, what is your favourite part of Christmas?
Mrs. Claus: Oh, it’s hard to pick just one thing! I love seeing the joy on children’s faces when they open their presents and the way the world seems to slow down just for a moment to focus on kindness and connection. But if I’m honest, my favourite part may just be Christmas Eve, when everything is ready to go. The presents are wrapped, the sleigh is packed, and the North Pole is buzzing with excitement. That’s the moment I pour myself a cup of hot chocolate, take a deep breath, and soak it all in – it’s a magical kind of chaos.
Interview by Gavin Hard
