What questions do children most often ask Father Christmas?

Every year I receive thousands of letters from children all over the world. Some of the letters are short and simply list their dream presents. Others are several pages long and full of beautiful drawings, stories and… questions.

I must admit that it’s the long letters that bring me the greatest joy. They reveal children’s curiosity, imagination and belief in magic – things that adults sometimes fail to notice. Today, I’ve decided to let you in on what these little explorers ask me most often.

Sit back comfortably by the fire, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate and discover the secrets that find their way into my post every year.

1. How do you know if I’ve been good?

This is definitely one of the most frequently asked questions. The answer is always much the same:

I’m not looking for perfect children. I’m looking for children who try to be better people every day.

Everyone has the odd argument with their siblings, forgets to tidy their room or has an off day. That’s perfectly normal. What’s far more important is whether you can say sorry, help someone in need or show kindness.

My helpers – the elves – don’t keep a list of perfect children. They pay attention to small gestures, which are often more valuable than the greatest achievements.

2. How do you manage to visit all the children in a single night?

Ah, that’s one of my favourite secrets! Shall I reveal the whole secret? Of course not.

I can say, however, that on this special night, time flows a little differently. What’s more, I have an incredibly fast team of reindeer, a sleigh powered by Christmas magic, and elves who plan the route down to the very last chimney.

3. Do reindeer really fly?

Yes! Although only at this special time of year.

For most of the year, my reindeer rest, run across snowy glades and prepare for the Christmas journey. It’s only as Christmas approaches that the magic appears, allowing them to soar high above the rooftops.

Rudolph, of course, really likes it when children ask about him. He even claims that his glowing nose is incredibly popular.

4. What’s it like living at the North Pole?

This question appears in almost every sack of letters.

Imagine a huge wooden house surrounded by snow, workshops full of elves, and the scent of cinnamon, freshly baked gingerbread and hot chocolate.

Every day you can hear laughter, the tapping of hammers, the rustle of colourful wrapping paper and the jingle of reindeer bells. It’s a place where, all year round, we prepare for the most wonderful night of the year.

5. Do you read all the letters?

Yes. Every letter is important to me. Sometimes children write about their dreams. Other times they talk about their siblings, their beloved dog, their successes at school, or how much they miss someone close to them.

Believe me – I read everything with great emotion.

6.

Do you really like milk and biscuits?

Of course! After a long journey, a bit of milk, gingerbread or homemade biscuits give me a boost. But I’ll let you in on a secret...

I’m even happier to receive handwritten thank-you notes, drawings or short messages left next to the presents.

These are the most beautiful presents I could ever receive.

7. What do you get up to all year round?

Oh, I certainly don’t just sit around for eleven months! Together with the elves:

• we design new toys,
• we repair machines in the workshop,
• we teach the young elves how to wrap presents,
• we look after the reindeer,
• we read children’s letters,
• we plan the Christmas journey.

Preparations for Christmas go on practically all year round.

8. Can I ask for a present for someone else?

That question always makes me smile. More and more children are asking not for a toy for themselves, but for their grandmother’s health, happiness for their parents, a new home for a dog from a shelter, or a smile for a friend.

Letters like these remind me that the most beautiful presents aren’t always the ones wrapped in colourful paper.

Empathy and caring for others are of immense value.

9. Do elves really exist?

Of course! Without elves, we wouldn’t be able to prepare even a fraction of the Christmas presents.

Every elf has their own special task. Some design toys, others sew soft toys, whilst others are in charge of wrapping, checking letters or looking after the reindeer.

They’re incredibly hard-working, but they also know how to have a great time. Especially when baking gingerbread.

10. Do you only visit children?

That’s a very wise question. After all, the magic of Christmas doesn’t end just because you’ve grown up. I visit every home where there’s kindness, love and family warmth.

And you? Do you have a question for Father Christmas?

If there’s a question that’s been on your mind for a long time, or if you’d like to tell me about your dreams, do write to me. I love reading children’s letters and always try to reply to them.