Santa Claus is coming to town, with planned appearances all over Bloomington-Normal this month. Santa will appear in Uptown Station and at Eastland Mall. He has cookie plans and ice skating plans and several brunches scheduled with Bloomington-Normal kids.
Through a partnership with Normal Parks and Recreation, Santa will place calls to households throughout the Bloomington-Normal area next week. In an exclusive interview with WGLT, Claus credited his dedicated team of elves with forging the connection.
“They set up a call line with Normal Parks and Rec,” he said on a call from the North Pole between reindeer feedings. “It takes a large group of people to help make Christmas come off well.”
Claus suggested grown-ups sign up online for a call with Santa, which take place on Dec. 8 and 10 in the evening.
“You’re dealing with the real Santa, and I’ll have information about what’s going on in your life. I see what you’re doing, just like the song. You’re talking to the real person.”
Among this year’s new hires is an elf with design expertise, whose cereal and junk food graphics have enhanced the workshop’s selection of wacky socks and other apparel.
“He’s just really creative with stuff,” said Claus.
Via phone, Mrs. Claus said frigid temperatures at the North Pole-based international headquarters have resulted in ramping up cookie production. Sugar cookies, snickerdoodles and chocolate chip have been in high demand. Sometimes, she said, the elves make “interesting cookies, combining lots of different ingredients for the reindeer.”
Claus and his wife said they are particularly fond of Bloomington-Normal kids and regularly follow McLean County news at WGLT.
“I appreciate that you keep me in the loop with all the great information your radio station provides about what’s going on in Bloomington-Normal,” said Claus.
Production continues through Dec. 24, with overnight deliveries expected under Christmas trees in Bloomington-Normal. Claus said he graciously accepts snacks left in the homes he visits that night. He is particularly fond of chocolate chip and peanut butter, appreciating the protein boost.
“And don’t forget about my reindeer,” he said. “They do so much work for me that night.”
Rudolph and the team are on a raw food diet; they enjoy carrots and other crudité.
