You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout

I’m telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

But before Kris Kringle arrives on Christmas Eve, he agreed to a rare interview.

He agreed to a chat while he was in Columbus for the Landings Grand Lighting last week.

If you missed him, don’t worry. He’ll be making various stops at Columbus shopping centers between and his big sleigh ride.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

So, Santa, where do you live?

I’m from the North Pole.

Do you live in the North Pole all year ‘round?

All year ’round except when I visit the Landings.

What are you doing here so early?

I came down a little early to visit the Landings (the Landings’ Christmas lighting was last week). You know they have a market here and you can buy organic vegetables? My cousin Steve owns the Circle N Vegetable Farm and I’ve been feeding the reindeer organic vegetables. Rudolph’s nose started glowing early. I think it’s those organic vegetables. I always buy enough to take back to the North Pole.

Does your diet consist of holiday goodies all year long or do you have to eat some veggies, too?

I’ve started eating healthy. I was getting too pouffy.

Do you eat and drink all the cookies and milk that kids leave for you?

I usually indulge too much. Some cookies are better than others. Like chocolate chip cookies.

What’s your favorite holiday treat?

I would have to say strawberry shortcake. But Mrs. Claus doesn’t make that too much.

Sometimes it seems like you’re scheduled to appear at different places at the same time. How do you manage it?

It’s all magic.

Do you and the elves make all the toys you deliver or do you outsource some of the products?

We make 99 percent of the toys. Now, some of the fancy electronic things, we have to get others to make. It’s that global patents thing and we’re not allowed to manufacture those.

What’s your favorite Christmas movie?

“The Miracle on 34th Street.” (The original film made in 1947.)

Do you listen to Christmas music all year long?

Yeah. But do you know who my favorite singer is?

Who is it?

Elvis Presley.

So you really like his Christmas album?

Oh, yes.

What’s your favorite Christmas song?

“Jingle Bells.”

How does your sled fly and how does it make it around the world in one night?

A little bit of magic. We use a special fuel that costs so much that there is just enough to get us through Christmas Eve and back.

When should people start getting into the Christmas spirit? Is Halloween too early?

I think Halloween is too early. I think it should start after Thanksgiving. After we eat the turkey, in my opinion.

If you’re feeling down, what do you do to get happy again?

I try to stay happy all the time.

What are the most commonly requested gifts?

Little boys always want a Red Ryder BB gun and little girls want Raggedy Ann dolls and a lot of Barbie dolls.

Where do you go on vacation and does it start on Dec. 26?

I’m kind of on vacation now. Cousin Steve has a donkey and Rudolph likes him. Mrs. Claus is not too fond of the ocean, but she really likes that cement pond in Cousin Steve’s back yard.

What’s your typical day like?

I start early, 4:30 a.m. or 5 a.m. I check on the elves. Elves like to play a lot so I have to get them ready for work. I go back and have breakfast and then it’s back to the elves. I go to bed around midnight or 1 a.m. I get four or five hours of sleep. You can sleep when you’re young. It doesn’t seem to bother me any.

How long have you and Mrs. Claus been married?

Well, just about as long as Methuselah was alive. It’s a long time to be married and I still like her.

What is the best gift you’ve ever been given?

Just a hug. There’s nothing sweeter than a hug.

What gift have you given that was most welcomed?

I would have to say a hug back.

Will your children go into the “family business?”

I’m pretty sure Noah will. Now, Hannah ... one of the elves is winking at her. I have to watch them.