What is something people don’t know about you?
Once the hard work of delivering toys is done for the year, I take a little break and enjoy a few glasses of Yarra Valley wine. I drink in moderation, of course! Paired with cheese and crackers, it’s hard to beat.
What was your most memorable moment?
Rudolph’s nose was on the fritz one night, and I very nearly crashed the sleigh into the top of Mt Dandenong. Thankfully the other reindeer took up the slack and we swerved just in time. No one would have found me for days in that dense bushland!
What would your last meal be?
The Christmas in July special smorgasbord at the Cuckoo in Olinda. The only thing better than Christmas in December is Christmas in July!
What event, past, present or future, would you like to witness?
I’ve been lucky enough to be around for quite a few decades, so there’s not much I’ve missed in the past. In the present – a gift – my Santa-sense keeps me in the loop. In the future, I’d like to witness all the good boys and girls of the Yarra Ranges opening their Christmas presents this year. It always brings me so much joy to see the smiles on their faces.
What is your favourite movie?
Love Actually. I’ll never forgive Harry for buying that necklace for Mia, but gosh there are some heart-warming moments! And Hugh Grant’s dancing gives me the giggles every time.
Which toy should parents buy for their children this Christmas?
Well there are plenty of popular toys out there, and I’m sure I’ll be delivering plenty of them, but I like toys that get children outside in the fresh air – especially in the beautiful hills and valley! A bike, a cricket set, a shell pool …
What six guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?
My mates the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy, Mrs Claus, Lady Gaga (what a voice), George Clooney (a favourite actor of Mrs Claus) and Michael Buble for those Christmas tunes.
What’s your favourite cookie?
It’s hard to go past the classic choc chip – plenty of chocolate! – but I do like a fancy bickie to mix things up. A white-choc macadamia cookie goes down nicely with a cold glass of milk.
