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The moment the first snows hit the ground it’s like an awakening in the back of our minds, the holiday season calling from some magical place, putting smiles on the faces of children as they know the night Santa Claus comes to town draws ever closer.
But all year the single night of Christmas Eve is on the mind of old St. Nick as he and his elves work hard at the North Pole, making sure all the presents are ready for the magical night of December 24.
And although he visits everywhere in the world, North Bay always holds a special place in his heart.
“I can never wait to come here and see all the children,” Santa said during his visit to the Northgate Shopping Centre. “They’re always so full of energy and joy and can’t wait to see me. The good boys and girls of North Bay are on my nice list because they’re always there to help mom, dad, and each other. I’m always amazed at how giving people in this community are!”
And while Santa noted the people in North Bay are giving to each other, he made it clear visitors have always been welcome here—himself included.
“Every time I come and visit North Bay before Christmas, children always bring me treats,” he said rubbing his tummy. “A lot of them bring me all kinds of chocolates and cookies before sitting on my lap and telling me their holiday wishes!”
As for wishes, Santa said people would be surprised about what kids ask for each year, from simple toys to ones that have been around for decades.
“Children in North Bay don’t ask for the world,” he said smiling. “A lot of them still ask for the simple things, like pogo sticks, or Rubix’s cubes.”
And each year when winter hits, people might get cold, but Santa does his best to keep hearts warm, making his rounds in the annual Santa Claus Parade, putting people in the holiday spirit, and visiting the mall to listen to the wishes of thousands of children.
“Wherever you see Santa,” he said. “You see me! A lot of the children ask me how I get everywhere so quickly, because of how often they see me around town. I tell them it’s a magical season, ho, ho, ho!”
And while Santa has been visiting children for as long as he can remember, it always warms his heart as he talks to kids across generations. Santa said parents even bring their newborns to see him, as young as a couple months old!
“I've had children sit on my lap, who years later brought their own children, and children's children to visit me,” he said. “When their children come to visit me, I can see the joy in the parents’ eyes who remember that same experience when they were younger. It's a magical feeling. It’s also a special honour to be part of a baby’s first Christmas experience!”
And as the days count down to that magical night, Santa said he’s always looking forward to the kindness of families as they leave him treats as he visits from house to house.
“There are some amazing bakers in North Bay,” he said. “They leave me all kinds of treats, from date squares to shortbread, to mincemeat pie, and so much more! They leave out plates and milk and even carrots and reindeer food for my reindeer that help me get around all night!”
Santa Claus wanted to remind everyone to keep being on his nice list, sharing and caring in the community as Christmas day draws near. He looks forward to his annual delivery to North Bay!
