The Sarnia Journal has partnered with local photographer Art Connolly to feature his captivating “Humans of Sarnia” series as he delves into the lives and experiences of everyday people in Sarnia. Follow his series on Instagram and Facebook
For my Humans of Sarnia series, I embarked on a magical adventure that led me to an unforgettable heart-to-heart with none other than Santa Claus himself. Yes, that Santa—the one with the twinkling eyes, the hearty laugh, and the ability to light up Christmas dreams for children and adults alike.The journey to meeting Santa was fueled by a simple, childlike dream: to sit down with the jolly old fellow and hear his story. With some help from my network in Sarnia/Lambton and a sprinkle of modern technology, I found my way to the man in red. What followed was nothing short of enchanting.
Meeting the Man Behind the Magic
Sitting across from Santa Claus, I felt a mix of awe and disbelief. How does one even begin to describe the experience of conversing with someone who has been part of childhood wonder for centuries? True to form, Santa greeted me with a playful glint in his eye and wasted no time reminiscing about the many “incidents” that landed me on the Naughty List during my younger years. Let’s just say Santa doesn’t forget!Over the next two hours, I listened as Santa shared stories about the children he has met over the years. His face lit up as he recounted tales of joy, laughter, and love. Some stories were punctuated by his famous “Ho Ho Ho,” while others brought a tear to his eye—a testament to the depth of love and compassion he carries in his heart.
How Santa Prepares for Christmas
Naturally, I couldn’t resist asking Santa about the logistics behind his Christmas magic. How does he manage to make it all happen?“First, the elves and I read all the letters from the children to know their wishes,” Santa explained. “Then, we check the Naughty/Nice List, and thirdly, we start making the toys.” Simple enough, but what about the ultimate mystery—delivering all those gifts in one night?With a knowing smile, Santa explained, “The magic of my night stretches beyond 24 hours because of time zones. My reindeer are faster than rockets or spaceships, which helps me bend time. And remember, not everyone celebrates Christmas or believes in me, so I don’t visit every home.”
Santa in Sarnia
Santa has a special fondness for Sarnia/Lambton. “Seeing the happiness in everyone’s eyes and on their faces during my visits here—it’s pure joy,” he shared.And if you’ve ever wondered about his signature red and white outfit, here’s the scoop: “I wear white to represent purity, and I wear red because I like it!” Santa declared with a wink.
Cookies, Milk, and Global Treats
Of course, no conversation with Santa would be complete without talking about his legendary cookie habit. How does he manage to eat so many in one night?“Delivering gifts burns a tremendous number of calories,” Santa laughed. “And while milk and cookies are a North American tradition, I enjoy different treats all around the world.”When pressed on his favorite type of cookie, Santa’s answer was delightfully on-brand: “The one I’m going to eat next! Ho Ho Ho!”
Post-Christmas Life
After the whirlwind of Christmas Eve, Santa’s first order of business is giving Mrs. Claus a big kiss when he returns to the North Pole. Then comes a long, well-deserved nap. But the work never truly stops. “After a little rest, we start preparing for the next Christmas,” Santa explained. “In the summer, I take a short vacation to Noelville, Ontario, near Sudbury. I love to fish there.”
A Message for Sarnia’s Children
As our conversation drew to a close, Santa had a heartfelt message for the children of Sarnia/Lambton:“Always believe and be sure to show love to your family and friends. I hope you never grow too old to look into the sky with anticipation on Christmas Eve.”Santa also made it clear that his door—or sleigh—is always open. If you want to connect with him, you can find Santa on Facebook at Santa Claus Sarnia. He’s available for private parties and other events, spreading cheer wherever he goes.
The Spirit of Santa
Walking away from my conversation with Santa, I couldn’t help but feel uplifted. Here is a figure who embodies kindness, joy, and the enduring magic of belief. In his words and actions, Santa reminds us all of the importance of giving, loving, and holding onto the wonder of childhood.This Christmas, as you gaze up at the night sky or set out milk and cookies, remember Santa’s message: Believe, love, and always find joy in the season’s magic. And who knows? Perhaps Santa will be visiting your home next.
“Humans of Sarnia” founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens.