Santa Claus
Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
I’m fairly healthy. December is always hectic, so I try to be in shape for that – lots of vitamin C and early nights. I’ve been getting the flu jab the past few years – at my age, it’s important to keep well. I’m off the drink in December too as I’m in charge of a sleigh.
How often do you exercise?
I’m a bit patchy on exercise as it’s dark 24 hours a day up here in winter – well that’s my excuse. I’m desk-bound in November catching up with letters, but in December, things get manic. There’s a lot of up and down chimneys mid month, so I try to get aerobically fit for that. After Christmas, we’ve got the big stock take, but in spring I love to go bear watching or fishing.
Do you get your five a day?
I’ve a bit of a belly and my doctor says I’m on the road to type 2 diabetes if I don’t shift it. I try to avoid white flour, pasta and sugar and eat veg – though I know Christmas Eve will be a biscuit feast. I take plenty of fish oils for my memory – there are a lot of names and addresses to remember.
Do you worry?
Well, the economy in the North Pole has been hit pretty badly and I worry about the children not getting what they want this Christmas – but the mammies and daddies have really helped me and Mrs Claus by explaining that, while there may be fewer presents this year, they will be given with much love.
What do you do to relax?
Laughter and smiling are the best ways to kill stress and lighten the mood. If I could bring one gift to all the grown-ups this Christmas, it would be more smiles and laughter.
What’s your unhealthiest habit?
It would have to be my coffee addiction.
I cut back in January as the daily coffee on the way to the workshop really adds up, but December is 24/7 for me, so I’m leaning hard on the espressos. As the children know, I’m a devil for the biscuits as well.
