If you think December is hectic, try being Santa Claus.

He has millions of wish lists to read, reindeer to shape up and a very complex delivery route to sort.

And if that isn’t enough Mrs Claus always has a honey-do list a mile long.

Still, Santa always finds the time to visit homes in Bermuda.

The Coalition for the Protection of Children is one of his special stops. The jolly old elf explained why.

Q: How did the visits to the Coalition start?

A: Mrs Claus knew Sheilagh Cooper, founder of the Coalition. Ten years ago, she asked if I would come down and help out. I said sure. The first little girl who came up to me said she wanted her daddy to stop hitting her mummy. That really made me want to give the father a good talking to. After that first visit, I could see children in

Q: Do the children you meet at the Coalition get a lot for Christmas?

A: No, they don’t. And some families are struggling with food issues. I give the children a present as soon as I see them to keep them going.

Q: How can Santa be real when there are so many around? Are they all real?

A: Santa can’t be everywhere at once, so I ask other people to help me. But I’m the real deal.

Q: Some children want to know why some toys have “Made in China” stamped on them instead of “Made in the North Pole”.

A: I do have elves in China. Every child has a different like and the elves in China are good at making certain things, and the elves in Sweden make other things.

Q: What’s the worst part of being Santa Claus?

A: Having my beard tugged all the time.

When the children see that it’s real, they say: ‘Oh, I’m so sorry, Santa!’ Kids, please don’t pull on the beard! It hurts!

Q:Have you always been Santa Claus or is there a succession of Santa Clauses?

A:Santa Clauses usually go for about 1,200 years then they pass the bell to the next Santa. I am now training an apprentice.

Q: What is the training like?

A: It is a 300-year programme and involves eating lots of food. The right person has to be very jolly and love children. They have to be able to listen and be good at building things — you have to be able to help the elves sometimes. It is lead by example. When you help them, they really work hard. At the end of my tenure, the new Santa will be tested by me. I have to make sure he is a jolly soul and has the right girth.

Q: How old are you?

A: I am 982. I have a few more years to go before we need a replacement. I do get a little creaky sometimes. It is definitely cold in the North Pole so we need warm jackets and hoods.

Q: What will you do in retirement?

A: In retirement I will be assisting the elves, sitting by the fire with Mrs Claus and helping the new Santa with any problems he encounters, seeing as I’d have 1,200 years of experience.

Q: Do you have any pets at home Santa Claus?

A: Of course, reindeer, lots of them. There are a couple of cats that come to visit. The reindeers come inside.

They know the rules. If they have any business to do, they have to do it outside. They aren’t potty-trained, but they know not to make a mess inside.

Q: What do you say to the children going through hard times right now?

A: Talk to someone you can trust. Always have faith that help is available.

It is difficult sometimes, but if you know someone, a friend or family member you can talk to, or a teacher you can really trust, please do that. It is something that needs to be done. Santa loves you.