When and how did you first get involved with insurance companies?
From an early age I had a lot of fun with my reindeer. You wouldn’t believe what a wild thing they are, they always run around with a lot of trash under their horns. One day they crashed my sled into a shop window. Luckily my parents were insured.
How did you become Santa Claus?
After school I started an apprenticeship as a forwarding agent. But that wasn’t enough for me. So I followed in my grandfather’s footsteps, who had set up on his own as Santa Claus and was looking for a successor. I needed a new challenge… is that really how you write it? Well, anyway, the business my grandfather built has stayed in the family.
What drives you professionally?
Every time the children unwrap their Christmas presents and their eyes light up, I am deeply happy and know that once again all the effort has been worth it. I would and will always give everything for this.
Which insurance do you think is overrated or underrated?
As an immortal, I have absolutely no need for life insurance, that’s for sure. And I haven’t found anything at the car dealerships that fits my sled. I drive a lot every year. On the other hand, I find the pet owner’s liability insurance with a special reindeer clause quite interesting, see above.
What was your last insurance claim (professional or private)?
Well, you know, those reindeer… I’ll say: Rudolph, drops of mulled wine, I’m going home. Got it?
Who would you like to go out for a drink with for an evening?
I haven’t seen my old friend the Easter Bunny in a long time. I’d like to meet him again for an eggnog. We certainly have a lot to tell each other.
What makes you angry on a regular basis?
I don’t like it when people go overboard with Christmas presents. New car? Really now? Or three new game consoles for the kids? You should be looking at wish lists these days. As if a child wants to set up an entire kindergarten with Elon Musk’s money. My elves in their workshop at the North Pole are sometimes really on edge.
What would you be reluctant to do without?
I’ll tell you a secret, but don’t tell anyone! When work is done, which is every year on December 27th, I take off my robe, shave my beard, sit by my northern pool and hiss a very cold beer. Then it ended with mulled wine! Sometimes there is also spaghetti ice cream. But really, if you broadcast this, there will be serious trouble!
What is your life without?
Without my wife, of course: Mrs Clause. She is the one who fixes my sleigh with broken bulbs and burnt out lanterns. Even my elves can’t do that. And of course there’s my beloved Christmas season. Most people are nice to each other there and I see a lot of joy and serenity. I am very happy to be an important part of it.
What was the first record/CD/download you bought?
That was “Last Christmasfrom those Wham hair dryer waves. At the time I really thought it was the last Christmas and I had to buy the record. But I have to admit that my sled radio number still sounds pretty good today.
What are you currently watching on Netflix (or other streamers or on TV)?
„Die Hard“. For me the best Christmas movie ever: contemplative, full of love and harmony and with a lot of feeling. You have to see Bruce Willis with hair. And then there’s this slightly more recent Netflix movie “The Christmas Chronicles”. I have to say I’m really good. And my wife too. It is now often shown on my TV sled as a pastime when we have to cross the Atlantic.
What would you change if you could? (private, professional or worldwide or otherwise)?
I can’t do much, I’m just a service provider. But like so many people, I long for peace on earth at last. A little humility would be useful for many. Good, and that Rudolph will have his license back before Christmas Eve. I just have a reindeer with a bright red nose. This really saves a lot of electricity at the moment.
