Santa

Amy Sims recently caught up with Father Christmas from Santa’s Workshop for a quick chat during this busy time of year.

Firstly, how did you get into this Santa business?

When I was growing up I always knew I wanted to be a Santa. My Dad was a Santa, my Granddad was a Santa, my Great Granddad was a Santa, the list goes on. I guess I had no choice, it was in my blood.

How has the Santa business changed?

Let me tell you, back in the day kids were much easier to please. They were happy with a stuffed toy or a matchbox car, even a bag of lollies. The threat of a lump of coal was enough to pull the naughtiest of kids into line.

Nowadays kids want iPads, PlayStations, a new bike. Really, how do I fit a bike down a chimney? if they even have a chimney. And now I have to send out Scout elves to check up on the kids. Like I need a gazillion elves reporting back to me each night, the overtime rates are killing me. I must say Gimli (the Lincolns Elf) has a lot to report back on.

It does make me laugh though, about 50 years ago there was this little boy. From Katanning, I think. All he wanted was a hockey stick and a bag of lollies. Although he was such a naughty child; very disruptive at school and teasing his brothers. I thought I would teach him a lesson, so I gave him some undies and a pair of socks “Worst Christmas Ever” apparently Ho Ho Ho. His name was Gerry Philpott or something like that.

You mentioned overtime rates, how do you manage all your employees?

As you know December is quite a hectic month in Santa’s workshop. We do have constant work all year round although there tends to be a lot of last minute changes, children change their minds constantly. Each year I have to put on a lot more staff over this period and I find it hard to get seasonal workers, I employ a lot of backpacker elves. I am sure I don’t need to tell you about that new backpacker tax!

What is really frustrating though is trying to manage all my staff holidays. You wouldn’t believe it - they all want Christmas off with their families. Our busiest day of the year and they want it off!! This generation just want! want! want! In all honesty I do have a great group of elves and we do work very well together. Once all our deliveries are made I head back to the workshop and we all sit back and watch the children open their presents. The sheer delight on the children’s faces is priceless. This is what Christmas is all about for us.

How do you handle the customer feedback?

I receive mountains of correspondence during the year but I am not always able to deliver exactly what is asked for.  This does create tensions with some customers, however, if they were better behaved they may have received what they asked for.  Then, they take to social media to vent their disappointment!  I’m on Facebook too so I know what they are up to and I won’t forget!

What are your plans for the future?

I am hoping to retire in a few years and hand the reins (literally) over to my daughter, Nicole. Nicole has always had an active role in the business looking after the reindeers and is very excited about taking over the business.  Thankfully we started our succession planning a few years back so we are well prepared for the handover.

What advice do you give to families this Christmas?

No matter how busy you are this Christmas make sure you take time out with your family and friends. Enjoy good food, drink copious amounts of egg-nog, give thoughtful gifts to loved ones, and most importantly, don’t feel guilty.

Merry Christmas to one and all!