Hwy 61: How did you meet Santa?

Smith: He used to show up at birthday parties for my daughter Tracy, who was born in December. After that, he started coming to the Grand Marais Christmas Parade so he could walk around town and meet everyone. I’ll be out of town this year during the parade, but Santa will be coming anyway.

Hwy 61: Does Santa make other appearances?

Smith: He’s been visiting the Care Center on Christmas Eve for 12 years. He also stops by the hospital to say hello. I’m sure he’ll be making other appearances in Cook County as well.

Hwy 61: Having been a friend of Santa for so long, what have you learned about children?

Smith: Kids don’t change much. They ask for the same things for gifts. Some are shy around Santa, while others run right over to see him.

Hwy 61: Have you seen more than one generation of the same family?

Smith: Yes, Santa gets to see the kids of kids he’s known in the past. It’s interesting that the nut doesn’t fall far from the tree. Kids take after their parents. If the parents were a little nervous around Santa, it’s likely the kids are as well.

Hwy 61: Any advice you can give parents who are taking a child to see Santa for the first time?

Smith: It’s kind of hard for some kids, because we tell them to avoid strangers and then prop them on Santa’s lap. Don’t push the kids to see Santa. Let them hang back and watch the other kids.

Hwy 61: Anything else you’ve noticed in your time with Santa?

Smith: It’s still just as hard to find a parking place for the reindeer and sleigh.