Q: Who is Santa Claus? A: Santa Claus has a variety of different names in different languages, but they all refer to the person of St. Nicholas who was born many centuries ago in the 4th century (350 AD) in Lycia, Anatolia, a province of the southwest Asia Minor. He was born in Patara, a seaport, and traveled. St. Nicholas became a bishop of the church at Myra. St. Nicholas performed a number of miracles, all associated with gift giving. His feast day, or birthday, was December 6, and most of his gift giving miracles took place on December 25th. Q: What does Santa do when a house does not have a chimney or there is a fire burning in the fire place? A: Santa likes to keep a few things secret so he can always surprise the kids he is visiting. All he will say to this question is that he uses a little magic but he ALWAYS finds a way. Q: How do the reindeer fly? A: A long time ago Santa and his helpers discovered magical oats and corn. When the reindeer eat the oats and corn they become able to fly and leap high into the air. Q: Why can't I see Santa or his elves? A: Santa and the elves are magical and move very quickly. Sometimes, if you are very good, you might catch a glimpse of an elf. Q: How does Santa's sleigh make it around the world in one day? A: Through a combination of lots of practice and a hard work, use of time zones, and a little magic, Santa and the reindeer always make it on time. Q: How does Santa know whether I have been naughty or nice? A: Santa keeps his naughty and nice list with the help of all the elves who keep track of each person. You probably aren't even aware they are around you but elves have a special way of keeping an eye on you. Sometimes if you look quickly enough you might catch one peering in a window or around a corner but your would have to be very fast and very good. Q:What kind of snacks does Santa like left out for him? A: Santa loves cookies but he is always happy to try anything you think he might like. Pick your favorite kind of cookie or snack and Santa and the reindeer will be happy. The reindeer love carrots and lettuce best, of course. Q: What are the names of Santa's reindeer? A: The reindeer that pull the sleigh are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner (or Donder), Blitzen, and of course, Rudolph. Q: Why doesn't Santa always bring me what I asked for? A: Thanks to the elves and your gift lists, Santa usually knows what presents you would like to receive. However, sometimes Santa knows that your parents have other special things in mind. Santa does not like to bring gifts that he knows your parents would prefer you not have. Q: What other names is Santa Claus known by? A: Kriss Kringle in Germany and many places in Europe. The name is derived from Christkindle meaning "Christ child". Pere Noel in France meaning Father Christmas. Papa Noel in Spanish speaking countries meaning Father Christmas. Sinter Claus in Holland. Q: What is Mrs. Claus' first name? A: Her full name is Jessica Mary Claus. Her mother picked her middle name after the mother of Jesus. Q: Why doesn't Santa Claus come every day? A: Santa comes on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. And it takes a whole year to get everything ready for just one very special night for all the good children around the world. Q: Why are some of the presents that Santa brings just like the ones in the stores? A: There are so many children, and more being born every day, that Santa's elves find it difficult to make every single gift. So, the elves watch you when you are in the stores, and they keep lists of the items you see and wish you could have. Then, Mrs. Claus and the elves go shopping at the stores for some of those gifts while Santa sleeps and gets ready to fly his sleigh.