“The days after Christmas are usually quiet for Santa Claus—the lists are complete, the skies are empty, and the sleigh rests, along with the reindeer and elves. But this year, instead of relief, there was a reckoning. Candid photos surfaced showing a noticeably worn-down version of the famously tireless figure, prompting a familiar question: What happens once”, — write: www.hollywoodreporter.com
“For me, December is all momentum,” Claus tells The Hollywood Reporter. “You don’t realize how much you’ve given until everything stops.” And when it stopped this year, Santa didn’t rush past the stillness. He sat in it. He listened. Somewhere mid-flight, over the warm waters he usually zips past once a year at top speed, the realization landed. He didn’t yet know what came next—only that it was time to slow down, and maybe, for once, experience the warmth and water instead of just waving at them from the sky.
In an exclusive conversation with THRClaus opens up about the exhaustion behind the routine and why choosing to slow down, even briefly, may be the key to resetting.
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First off, how are you feeling now? We saw the photos and heard that people close to you were concerned.
I’m doing better now. Definitely more rested than I was right after Christmas. That immediate slowdown is always an adjustment for me. Your body finally stops, but your mind doesn’t get the memo right away.
When those photos started circulating, did it surprise you how many people reacted to them?
A little, yeah. I don’t usually think about how I look after the season ends. I’m focused on finishing strong. So realizing people noticed the exhaustion before I really processed it myself. That was eye-opening.
Did this season feel heavier than usual, or did it only really hit once everything stopped?
It mostly hit afterwards. During December, you don’t have the space to notice how tired you are. You’re always moving, always thinking about what’s next—or at least, I am.. But once it ends, you finally sit still long enough to feel how much energy it actually took.
Do you think people recognize themselves in that feeling?
I think so. A lot of people push through the year without realizing they’re running on empty. You tell yourself you’ll rest later, and then later never seems to arrive. I’m definitely guilty of that.
Tell us about the moment you first thought, I need to slow this down.
I remember it clearly. I was in the middle of deliveries, and everything was going exactly according to plan…which was sort of the problem. Same route, same pace, same expectations. And I just thought, Why not me? Why couldn’t I take a beat, too?
It was such a simple thought, but it felt like something in me finally caught up.
And where were you when that thought hit?
Florida at first, but the feeling grew stronger the farther down into the Caribbean I went. Then there was the warmth. I’m used to cold, dark nights and empty streets, so it took some getting used to. Even after dark, it stayed balmy, the salty ocean air catching in my beard. It felt far from where I usually end up afterward—and for the first time in years, I looked down and thought about what it might be like to ease off the sleigh for a moment.
You’ve flown over places like that for years. Why do you think it landed differently this time?
Because I wasn’t rushing in my head for once. I wasn’t on autopilot. I’ve flown over those waters every year for as long as I can remember, but this time I actually looked down instead of hitting the gas—or, in my case, the sleigh—and muttering “next stop.” And once I noticed it, I couldn’t un-notice it.
We’ve heard you’re getting ready to set sail with Carnival Cruise Line for a much-needed reset. What appealed to you about taking a cruise right now?
Honestly? (Laughs.) Not checking the time and having zero responsibility. I wasn’t trying to plan anything elaborate. I just wanted to be somewhere warm where I didn’t have to keep moving or figuring things out. Sitting on my balcony without staring at a screen, spending time by the pool, and ordering a late-night snack just because I can in place of my typical middle-of-the-night cookie fix.
That pace is pretty far from what your everyday life looks like.
It really is. My life usually runs on very specific timing: routes, lists (and checking them twice!) to make sure nothing’s missed. People don’t realize that while Christmas might be just one night, my work is year-round. This trip feels like the opposite of that, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.
So yes, what I’m stepping into now…that’s the opposite of my normal. And that’s exactly what I need.
Do you think it’ll be easy to settle into that slower rhythm, or do you expect it to take a few days?
It’ll probably take a minute. I imagine there’ll be a day or two where it feels like I’m forgetting something. But I’m looking forward to letting that pass, and seeing what it feels like when there’s nowhere I need to be next.
And what do you hope to take with you post-cruise?
Balance. Just the reminder that taking your foot off the proverbial gas once in a while doesn’t throw everything off. Sometimes it helps you come back better.
And when it’s time to go back to the North Pole and start prepping for next season, do you think you’ll feel ready?
Of course! I always am. Slowing things down for a moment just helps me head back into it feeling grounded. I’m excited to come back refreshed, renewed, and hopefully a bit less pale. (Laughs.)
Follow along as Santa swaps his sleigh for a Carnival cruise ship! Watch for updates here: @Carnival.