Ask Elf Ernest

Elf Ernest is Santa’s Vice President of Public Relations at the North Pole. It is his job to answer questions. He has gladly done so for us since 1991. Most of the time he writes the news at SantaUpdate.com, where the story of Santa, his elves and reindeer is told every year. But every now and then he stops by here to answer to most common questions that believers in Santa Claus ask.

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What do elves get paid?

Dear Elf Ernest, Could you please tell me and my sister about how much you get paid, and what kind of hours do you work? If you do get paid what do you get paid with? Merry Christmas Rob and Kate Dear Rob and Kate, Well, that's…
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How does Santa live for so long?

Dear Elf Ernest, How does Santa live for so many years? Most people his age are dead. Thank you, Kaitlyn Dear Kaitlyn, Age and time can be a tricky thing to understand. But let me try to explain it in a way that will make…
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What is Santa’s Favorite Holiday?

Dear Ernest, I know that Santa's favorite holiday is Christmas. What other holidays does he celebrate? Jose M. Lima, Peru Actually, Jose, Santa's favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. But Santa is a lover of all holidays. And he celebrates…
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Is it Donner or Donder?

Dear Ernest, I notice you use Donner as one of the main reindeer in Santa's group but isn't it Donder who was one of the original reindeer who pulled Santa's sleigh? Thanks, Rhona Hi Rhona, Good catch. But Donner and Donder…
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What exactly is an elf?

Dear Ernest, What exactly is an elf? Boomer W. Milwaukee, USA. Hey Boomer, That's a great question and I'm glad you asked it. In the movies, most elves are depicted as short people with squeaky voices, no brains and stupid…
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Does Santa ever get skinny?

Dear Ernest, When Christmas is over, does Santa lose weight and get skinny or does he stay the same size all year long? Also, how many elves are there at the North Pole? Thanks, David, age 7 Hi David, Santa's pretty regular…
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Is Santa’s mail safe?

Dear Elf Ernest, My Dad will not let me get the mail from the mailbox anymore. He says that bad people are sending things in the mail to people that can get you sick. On television they are showing people who got hurt that work for the post…
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Questions from a First Grade Class

Dear Elf Ernest, I teach first grade in Cheyenne, Wyoming and I am going to have my students come up with questions for Santa. I was wondering if you would answer the questions for us. Thank you, Misty Hall Goins Elementary Dear…
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When Should Presents Be Opened?

Dear Ernest, I have a real problem. All of my life, my family opens presents on Christmas Eve. A friend of mine says that's against the rules of Christmas. I follow the updates from the North Pole every year but I usually have my presents…
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How does Santa get around the world in one night?

Dear Ernest, How can Santa get around the whole world in just one night? I don't get it. Earl T. Boston, USA I remember you, Earl. You like to ask the deep questions. Ever since you were a little kid, your letters to Santa have…