It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
And Santa is as busy as ever preparing. He says it takes months of planning, teamwork, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic to make the Big Night happen. It all begins with checking his list twice, the elves (the real MVP’s of Christmas) crafting and testing every toy. Then the sleigh gets a full tune-up while the reindeer training hard. Even Santa does some cookie endurance training. "Some laps around the sleigh barn and taking part in the Reindeer Games help me stay jolly and fit for the journey, " Santa shared.
Joy to the World
Joy–the kind that sparkles in children’s eyes, fills homes with laughter, and wraps the world in warmth like a cozy blanket—is Santa’s favorite thing about Christmas. It's what keeps him full of cheer all year long and inspires him to continue to spread joy. As Santa puts it, "Joy is like magic—the more you give, the more you have."
But what inspires Santa the most is the joy he sees in every heart and the way people come together during Christmas. “It’s not just about the gifts, it’s about giving, in every sense of the word,” he says. "The twinkle in a child’s eye, the laughter shared around a dinner table, the quiet moment when someone feels remembered…those are the treasures that fuel my sleigh year after year."
I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
So, what’s the real secret to having Christmas spirit all year long? Santa reveals it’s not tucked away in a sleigh or hidden beneath a tree. Rather, "it lives in your heart." He urges us to start each day with a thankful heart, give freely of your time, attention, and kindness, and believe in people. “Believe in hope and believe that love can change the world,” he says. "Live with love, lead with kindness, and let your light shine bright, no matter the season."
And the beautiful part? Sharing Christmas cheer is a gift families can give all year long. One smile, kind word, act of love, all spreads cheer. Santa shares a few ways we can all spread cheer right here in Blue Springs:
-Adopt a family or child in need
-Volunteer at a food pantry
-Create handmade cards or crafts
-Host a warmth drive
-Sing carols at a senior living facility
-Shovel a snowy sidewalk or driveway
-Share cocoa and cookies with neighbors
Santa encourages the people of Blue Springs, and all over the world, to start a family tradition he calls a Cheer Challenge. He says families who share cheer together, not only brighten others’ lives but grow closer to one another.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Don’t forget to visit Santa at Rotary Park every Friday and Saturday from 6-9 PM under the gazebo, starting December 2 with the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting..
Q&A with Santa
Q: What kind of cookies do you hope kids will leave out this year?
A: I love all kinds but this year, I’m hoping for extra-special treats that show off their creativity and care. Sometimes, kids will share their own inventions – marshmallow mix-ins, candy cane crumbles. I love the surprises!
Q: Do you have a favorite Christmas song?
A: Jingle Bells. It’s cheerful, timeless, and perfect for sleigh rides through snowy skies. Close second is “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
Q: How do you keep your reindeer so happy and ready for the big flight?
A: It’s a year-round labor of love and laughter. They’re more than my sleigh team–they’re family. We maintain a regimen that incorporates:
- A magical diet of enchanted oats, the occasional peppermint treat, and carrots left on Christmas Eve
- Daily training flights
- Reindeer games, such as Hoofball and Tag the Tinsel
- Music–Blitxen’s got some serious moves
- Cozy stables filled with twinkling lights, TLC, and plenty of praise
And just between us, Donner’s been working on a new midair spin for this year’s takeoff. It’s going to be spectacular!
Q: Where do you like to visit in Blue Springs when you’re not busy preparing?
A: I enjoy spending my time just blending in with the fine citizens of Blue Springs, almost like a little game of hide-and-seek. Occasionally I do get recognized by children and their parents, but it gives me an opportunity to watch all the kindness bloom in such a magical city.
Q: What can you tell children (and adults) who may not be feeling merry this year?
A: Sometimes, even during the most twinkly time of year, hearts can feel a little heavy—and that’s okay. Even at the North Pole, we have quiet days. Feeling sad, tired, or overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re doing Christmas wrong, it means you’re human. And remember, there are people who care about you deeply.
If the usual traditions don’t feel merry, create new ones. Watch a silly movie, write a letter to your future self, or do something kind for someone else. Sometimes giving joy helps us find our own.
And remember: the Christmas spirit isn’t just about being merry, it’s about being real, being kind, and believing that brighter days are ahead.
So…always be Kind and always Believe!!