Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

The famous line comes from a response in the New York Sun to an 1897 letter from 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wishing to confirm the existence of the jolly old elf.

And indeed the newspaper was right. He was known as St. Nicholas, a kindly and giving Mediterranean monk known as the protector of children. This was in the fourth century, but by the Middle Ages he was Europe’s favorite saint. Sint Nikolaas in Dutch was shortened to Sinter Klaas – or Santa Claus.

When he moved to the North Pole and trained reindeer to fly remains a mystery. But by 1822, Clement Clarke Moore described his gift-giving routine in the poem now known as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Further details emerged in the late 1800s, when illustrator Thomas Nast outfitted Santa in the now famous red suit.

1. Did the story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer happen just like on the TV show?

In the show they don’t include Santa’s secret bell. Everyone knows “on Dasher, on Dancer,” but I have a bell that signals when they should line and harness. And they have me eating to get fat. Everyone knows Santa is already fat. But it was pretty true to what really happened.

2. How do you do it all on one night?

First off, my flying reindeer are really fast. Ho Ho Ho! They get their magic powers from Christmas spirit. And it’s light here at the North Pole when I start. I follow the time zones, so it’s light when I get back. Plus there’s a lot of magic involved.

3. Have you ever gotten stuck in a chimney?

No, I do not get stuck. But when people leave their fireplaces on, that’s a problem.

4. Why did you start giving gifts?

There are three main reasons. First is the gift that Christ gave the world. Second, everyone needs some kind of love, especially on Christmas – waking up with some joy. Third is the naughty and nice list. A lot of children have learned to be good over the years after finding out they were on the naughty list and waking up to a lump of coal.

5. How do you compile the list? You don’t use the CIA, do you?

Ho Ho Ho! No, we have elves at the North Pole. Have you seen Polar Express? It’s just like that. There’s a team of elves and a big screen. Shake the snow globe and it shows who has been naughty or nice on any day. Then on Christmas Day I get a huge list – a huge list.

6. Why not get yourself a tablet?

That would be pretty nice. Ho Ho Ho! But I have to keep it original.

7. How do you go around the rest of the year without getting recognized?

Questions like that could get you put on the naughty list, and you’ve been there before. I have to have some secrets.

8. OK – how about what do you do when you get home after Christmas?

I take a nice long nap. But making toys is a year-round job. I have to get with the elves and start making preparations for next year. But then I take a nice long nap. A lot of people don’t know it, but Mrs. Claus takes over for a few weeks so I can get my rest.

9. Do you have a favorite cookie?

That’s a good one. Ho Ho Ho! People leave me a lot of different cookies – Oreos, sugar cookies, chocolate chip. I like them all, but chocolate chip is a year-round favorite. You can dip them in milk, it never gets old.

10. Kids ask for a lot of things while sitting on your lap. Is there one that stands out?

It’s usually toys. But one boy said all he wanted for Christmas was a friend. That really touched my heart. The essence of giving is friendship, opening yourselves up to others. That should be the easiest gift to give.