By Avra Sullivan
While the New York Times may be busy covering the President, dignitaries or the latest celebrity, we at the Update know a real story when we see one. I had the extreme privilege of interviewing Santa Claus and his lovely wife Mrs. Claus who gave me the latest news fr0m the North Pole, revealed exclusively to the Shore Update!
For the past 19 years, Joe and Elaine Owen of Denton have helped Santa and Mrs. Claus by making appearances at schools, parades, restaurants, Christmas parties, daycares and anywhere that Santa can bring joy to kids of all ages. They also can appear at private parties and other similar events. Thanks to Joe and Elaine (who act as Santa’s “booking agents”) I was able to learn some inside secrets from Santa himself. So kids (and grownups) wishing to be on Santa’s “nice” list, listen up!
Where are the reindeer? All-knowing as he is, Santa is aware that on the Eastern Shore, the only event more popular than Christmas Day is opening day…of hunting season that is. Having a very important job to do, the reindeer stay at the North Pole so no one can mistakenly shoot them.
How do the reindeer get here? Each state supplies Santa with a vehicle. Here in Maryland it’s a white F350 Ford Truck. Always the law abiding citizen, Santa must tag his vehicle and displays a special tag reading “Mr. and Mrs. Claus” so everyone knows who he is. The twinkling lights help too!
Two senior elves travel with the Clauses. These happen to be the same elves that the Elf-on-a-Shelf reports to on whose being naughty or nice. If your elf has a tag on it, the tag is there to help Santa identify the elf and the family they have been adopted into when they call into the North Pole.
What resonated throughout my talk with Mr. and Mrs. Claus is their absolute love and devotion to children. “There’s no greater feeling than having a child run across the room, put their arms around you and say I love you,” says Mrs. Claus. “It’s priceless,” adds Santa. Santa and Mrs. Claus love spending time with kids and take time to talk with each and every child and to make them feel special. While many of their days can be 16 or 18 hours long, it’s the “magic of Christmas” that enables them to do what they do and love every minute of it.
Always having candy and goodies to hand out, Mrs. Claus reveals a few secrets of her own, namely how Santa is able to be at so many places at once. The Clauses love their special friends Joe and Elaine so much, they often visit throughout the year. It’s not uncommon to see them at local events, even in the “off season.” (Santa sheds the fur suit for some cooler shorts and shirt during warmer weather).
If your heart is set on that special gift this year, here are Santa’s Rules:
1. Do your homework!
2. Clean up your toys.
3. No fighting with siblings or parents.
4. Be obedient…the FIRST time.
5. No back talking to parents or teachers.
Anyone wishing to find out Santa’s full schedule or to see if you can get them to come to your special event can call their booking agents, Joe and Elaine at 410-253-6560 or 301-642-0242. You also can visit their website at www.southernsanta.weebly.com.