The Brant Beacon got a sneak peek into the days leading up to Christmas and the whirlwind that is Christmas Eve from Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. In an exclusive interview, Michael Stamou, Editor of the Beacon, travelled to an undisclosed location at the North Pole to chat with Rudolph about the holidays (and he even joined Rudolph and the gang for some reindeer games!).
Rudolph, thanks for taking the time to chat with the Brant Beacon. What have the last few weeks and days been like here at the North Pole?
It’s always a busy time of year but we have been doing it for such a long time that we are just in our groove and we all know what to do. We are now in the final few days of preparation and nearly everything is ready to go! We will have everything actually in place on December 22 then Santa gives all of the elves and reindeer the day before Christmas Eve off.
What do you, the other reindeer and elves do on a day off?
We actually just hang out by the pool! After the quiet, relaxing and peaceful day, Mrs. Claus makes quite a feast for dinner and we all just have one last meal together before we travel around the world on Christmas Eve.
What is Christmas Eve really like?
Oh, it is so much fun, Michael! Santa keeps everything upbeat and fun! He lets us listen to music and we all get to play our very own playlist, starting with mine of course, because I am the lead reindeer!
What is on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s playlist?
Well, I have a very eclectic taste in music! I listen to everything from jazz and blues, to rock and roll to any other genre of music you can think of! But, I do have a confession, I love Michael Buble! He has a very soulful voice and his Christmas album is AMAZING! I also love Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime.”
What do you, the other reindeer and Santa eat to keep your energy up?
Well, Mrs. Claus packs bags and bags of snacks to get us through the long night. She is very health-conscious so lots and lots of carrots, lettuce and other healthy snacks. But I will let you in on a little secret… I have a SWEET TOOTH! I LOVE CHOCOLATE! Because I love chocolate soooo much, the elves sneak me a bag of chocolate bars for the road, including Mars, KitKat, and many others, but my absolute favourite is Dairy Milk.
Children leave cookies and milk out for Santa but is it true families around the world leave out carrots for you and the other reindeer?
Sigh… yes it’s true. I understand that carrots are healthy and they really work wonders for my eyes but I would love it if one community, just one because I have to watch my figure, would leave me something super yummy like chocolate cake and brownies!!!!
With all of this talk about food, you’re making me hungry Rudolph! Let’s talk about the other reindeer and your relationship with them?
I’m sorry Michael. Mrs. Claus will make you a wonderful dinner before you head back home! I get along so well with the other reindeer. Obviously, that wasn’t always the case but now we are the bestest of friends! Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen are so awesome and supportive! As for Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen, they are the party reindeer! They organize all of our reindeer games and they ROCK at it!
What types of reindeer games do you guys play?
Oh, we play all kinds of awesome games like Snowball Dodge, Antler Ring Toss (where we very, very carefully toss icy rings onto each other’s antlers), Ice Lake Skating, and the Flying Obstacle Course, which is absolutely, positively my most favourite game EVER! We also play Hide-and-Glow, which is like hide-and-seek, but I never win because my nose gives me a way… EVERY TIME!
With Christmas Eve right around the corner, what is your favourite thing about the big night?
I love helping Santa deliver toys to all of the good boys and girls around the world. It truly brings me so much joy and happiness each and every year I do this, but the best part about Christmas Eve is seeing how truly beautiful the world is! I get to fly to every corner of this place we all call home and there are so many beautiful sights to see! Each and every year I see something new and more magnificent! From the Pyramids of Giza, to the Grand Canyon, to the Great Wall of China, Eiffel Tower and the Grand River that runs through the County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River and Brantford, everything is so majestic and just so beautiful!
Rudolph, I just have one last question for you, what is your Christmas message to everyone around the world?
Enjoy this time of year. It’s not just about presents but it is about being with loved ones and spreading joy and cheer. It is about spending time with family, playing games or singing carols. Christmas is a time to celebrate those in our lives and tell them how much we love and care about them.
To all of the readers of the Brant Beacon, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night (I hope Santa doesn’t get mad that I borrowed his line, teehee).
