Thank you for taking time to chat with us, Santa! Do you have a mantra that you live by?

Well, thank you very much for having me! And yes, we do have a mantra up here at the North Pole: “Kindness and care are gifts we all share.”

What are you working on right now?

In addition to the toys my elves and I are busy making for children all over the world, I am working with a company called DEMDACO on a wonderful, new product known as Santa’s Kindness Ornament.

How does Santa’s Kindness Ornament work?

This ornament from DEMDACO and I is a child’s direct link to receive daily video messages from the me during the holidays. Starting on December 1^st, you can scan the ornament’s QR code with a phone or tablet, a few times a day, and I appear on screen to ask children for help sharing acts of kindness, goodness and giving. You’ll even get to see some surprises from the North Pole!

What are some of the ways you will ask children to help you spread kindness?

Just to name a few acts of kindness I’ll be asking kids for help with…giving hugs to family members, calling someone and telling them you love them, making and sharing snacks, doing silly dances together, helping out around the home, feeding favorite animals, exercising together, drawing pictures of favorite people, writing thank you notes, giving everyone great big smiles and so much more!

How do I learn more about Santa’s Kindness Ornament?

Simply visit www.santaskindness.com!

How did you get into the Toy and Game industry?

Oh, I’ve been making toys and games for generations (it’s almost like I was born to do it!). And working with DEMDACO, who has been in this industry for more than 25 years, has been one of the most merry and joyful experiences of my career.

What trends do you see in the Toy and Game industry that excite you?

One of the most exciting trends I see, going forward, is the use of digital technology to encourage screen-free together time between adults and children. Santa’s Kindness Ornament does just that and is just the beginning of what DEMDACO and I are working on together.

What has kept you motivated to stay in the Toy industry?

Getting to bring joy and smiles to millions and millions of children, each and every year.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Without a doubt, seeing the smiles on little ones’ faces. It’s wonderful getting to share kindness and care.

What advice do you have for people starting in the toy industry?

Always try to see the work you do and the products you create through the eyes of a child. Oh, and put your ho-ho-whole heart into everything you do. We toymakers are in the business of putting smiles on faces and helping families create memories. There’s nothing better than that if you ask me (and you just did!).

In your spare time, what do you like to do?

While making toys for all the children of the world doesn’t leave me a lot of spare time at the North Pole, I do enjoy sharing kindness whenever I can. I also enjoy snorkeling and reading books about cookies.

What’s in your fridge?

Just the usual: milk, cookies, fudge, reindeer food, etc. Oh…and Mrs. Claus loves to keep celery in there. Not sure who that’s for, but it’s in there.

What’s your favorite cereal?

Anything FROSTED of course!