A special man for a special job

As the world prepares for the arrival of Christmas Day, intrepid Young Post reporter Dennis Goodboy caught up with Santa Claus before his big trip.

Dennis: So let's get right to the point, why no presents for dogs?

Santa: There are so many kids in the world to visit in one night that it's hard to visit all the wonderful pets too. But I do love animals. You can ask Rudolph, Dasher, Prancer and the rest of my reindeer team.

Dennis: It must be really rushed.

Santa: It is. As a reporter, you must know how it feels to work under a deadline. But luckily there's not too much traffic in the sky, so we usually get to go where we needed to go very quickly.

Dennis: How did you become Santa Claus?

Santa: I had to study to learn how to look after my reindeer, manage elves and care for my beard.

Dennis: Do you get paid for it?

Santa: The Santa's you see in the malls get about US$10,000 a year, but of course I don't.

Dennis: What's the worst part of the job?

Santa: Some kids don't really want to meet me and their parent might force them. I've been bitten and scratched and even peed on. But it's still the best work I've found.

Dennis: What's the difference between boys' and girls' letters.

Santa: When boys write to me, they tend to tell me straight what they want for Christmas. Girls like to explain everything more.

Dennis: Do you have a preference when it comes to snacks?

Santa: A lot of kids leave out cookies and milk but Mrs Claus doesn't want me to have too many sweets. I love Hong Kong for its egg tarts. They're not too sweet, right?

Dennis: Uh oh, it seems like you have to get going. Any last words for the boys and girls around the world?

Santa: Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.