Disclaimer: This interview with Santa Claus is shared with his permission and has been edited for length and clarity. Some content has been condensed to enhance readability while maintaining the spirit of our original conversation.

Enjoy the holiday magic!

With the holiday season in full swing, everyone is juggling shopping, parties, and family time while endeavoring to maintain the real reason for the season. I’ve been trying to think of some inspiring words around holiday organization, but decided no one can talk about staying on top of it all while keeping the magic alive better than the big man himself. With so much riding on this one magical evening, I knew there was only one person with the credibility to talk organization and balance: Santa Claus.
The logistics are mind-boggling, not to mention the time management, route planning, and sheer stamina required for such a monumental event.
Thankfully, he took some time out of his busy schedule to sit down with me, share some tacos, and tell the secrets behind his highly efficient operation. From organizing his sleigh to preparing in advance to meet those critical deadlines, Santa spilled the candy canes on what it really takes to make Christmas happen.
Here’s how the conversation went:
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Me: Santa, wow. I’m having a bit of a fan-girl moment. Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me! I know you're incredibly busy this time of year.

Santa: It’s my pleasure! I’ve got more than a few elves handling some last-minute gift wrapping, so I’ve got a little break. Also, I love tacos!

Me: First things first: how in the world do you plan your route for Christmas Eve? There are like, 3 billion children in the world!

Santa: 2,927,036,581 children, actually, but they don’t all celebrate Christmas. Anyway, it’s a little magic and also a lot of planning. Every year, my team and I sit down in early November to map out the trip. I’ve been doing this for a while, so I know the world’s layout pretty well by now. But with new homes and more kids added to the list each year, I need to be flexible and tweak the route each year.

I always start with time zones, working east to west. This way, I’m able to maximize the night and hit each area at just the right moment when everyone’s fast asleep. I also have to take weather into account—flying in snowstorms can slow me down, and that’s when Rudolph steps up big time. I also have to have some alternate routes ready, just in case.

Me: Time zones! That makes so much sense. I imagine that level of planning doesn’t happen overnight. How early do you start preparing for “the big night”?

Santa: Oh, we start planning almost as soon as one Christmas ends! In January, the elves and I do a big review of what went well and what could be improved for next year. By late summer, we’re deep into production, and by November, we’re putting the final touches on everything. Staying ahead of the game is the only way we can meet all the deadlines—there’s no room for procrastination at the North Pole!

Me: So what does early preparation look like? Do you have a master calendar you follow?

Santa: Absolutely! We have a master schedule that breaks the year into different phases—gift production, route planning, reindeer training, and final checks. Each department at the North Pole has specific deadlines, and the head elves keep everything running smoothly. The elves really are the stars of the operation. It’s all about teamwork and clear communication.

Me: What’s your advice for staying on track when working toward a big event?

Santa: The key is breaking everything into smaller tasks. A big job like delivering gifts to the whole world can feel overwhelming, but when you take it one step at a time, it’s manageable. I also believe in being realistic with timeliness—don’t leave everything to the last minute. Give yourself some cushion in case things don’t go as planned. And always have a backup plan—just in case.

Me: That’s great advice! Now, let’s get back to your sleigh. How do you organize all those presents? Like, actually fit them in the sleigh so you can find what you need?

**Santa:** Ah, the sleigh organization is key! I’ve got it down to a science after centuries of practice. I don’t just toss everything into the back willy-nilly—there’s a precise system.

First, we load the sleigh based on my route. The presents I need first are at the top, and the ones for later in the night are packed near the bottom. This way, I’m not digging through piles of gifts while flying over the rooftops.
The elves also use a magical tagging system. Each gift is coded so I know exactly where it belongs. I’ve got a built-in scanner in my gloves that helps me identify each present with just a touch!
**Me:** That sounds incredibly efficient! So you’re able to just grab the right present every time?
**Santa:** Yup! It makes my job so much easier. The magical tagging system ensures I’m always on time, and no gift gets left behind.

Me: What about keeping track of the Naughty and Nice List? That’s got to be a monumental task! Do you have an app?

Santa: Oh, the Naughty and Nice List—yes, it’s a big one. We keep a detailed, magical database at the North Pole that’s constantly updated. My elves do regular check-ins, and I personally review the list twice in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

There’s a whole department of elves who handle the Nice List, keeping track of good deeds and kind behavior. The Naughty List gets a bit more attention, but we always give kids a chance to turn things around. We’re all about giving second chances up here!

Me: Let’s talk about your reindeer for a moment. How do you prepare them for the big night?

Santa: Ah, my trusty reindeer! They’re the heart and soul of the operation. We start training a few months in advance to make sure they’re in tip-top shape. We have them run drills, practice landings, and work on their stamina. Reindeer cardio is no joke!

Me: It’s so inspiring how jolly you are. How do you maintain such holiday spirit while managing so many different moving parts? Do you ever feel overwhelmed with everything that has to get done?

Santa: Well, that’s a great question! Managing everything on Christmas Eve can definitely be a challenge, but the secret to maintaining my holiday spirit is remembering what the season is all about—spreading joy, love, and kindness. Yes, I’ve got a tight deadline, and yes, there are a lot of moving parts, but when I focus on the joy I’m bringing to families around the world, it keeps me energized and motivated.

I’m not going to lie, it can get a little overwhelming at times! There are moments when the to-do list seems endless. But I have an incredible team of elves and reindeer who keep everything running smoothly, and we’ve learned over the years how to handle the pressure.

Mrs. Claus is always reminding me to take little moments to appreciate the magic of it all. There’s something so special about hearing children’s laughter or seeing the sparkle in their eyes when they wake up on Christmas morning. It reminds me why I do what I do, and it keeps that holiday cheer alive in my heart, no matter how busy things get.

Me: Do you have any actionable advice for my audience for staying organized during the holiday season and keeping up their holiday cheer? It can get tough when you’re a working parent balancing so many responsibilities.

Santa: Staying organized during the holidays is important, but so is holding on to your seasonal spirit! My advice is to start with a plan. Make a list—actually, make a few lists! One for gifts, one for events, and maybe one for things you still need to prepare, like decorations or groceries. Seeing everything written down helps you feel in control.

Next, pace yourself. The holidays can feel overwhelming if you try to do everything at once. Spread out your tasks, tackle a little each day, and give yourself plenty of time. And don’t forget to delegate! People want to help. Even I don’t do it all alone—my elves and reindeer pitch in every step of the way.

Most importantly, don’t aim for perfection. The holidays are about joy, not stress. If the cookies aren’t perfect or the decorations aren’t Pinterest-worthy, that’s okay. Focus on what really matters: spending time with your loved ones, sharing kindness, and making memories. A cheerful heart is the best way to stay organized and enjoy the season!

Me: OK, final question and then I’ll let you get back to it. What is your favorite cookie?

Santa: Ho ho Ho, now, that's a tough one! I do love all cookies, but if I had to pick a favorite, I’d say it’s a classic: chocolate chip. There’s just something magical about a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie.

That being said, I’m not picky! Sugar cookies with sprinkles, snickerdoodles, gingerbread... They're all delicious. I’m happy to enjoy whatever’s left out for me on Christmas Eve. After all, it’s the thought that counts, and I appreciate the love and care that goes into each one.