The Interview – Elf On A Shelf

Briefly describe yourself and what you do/did.

I am part of the senior management team with Santa’s Elves Inc. I head the Investigative Branch, overseeing thousands of elves checking out which children have been naughty or nice.

Best piece of business advice you’ve received.

There are a couple of things, but that all relate: always tell the truth, obey your parents and keep your word. Follow those and you will always do well in life.

If I had it to do over …

I would have fought harder for us to have green outfits instead of red. Green is much better camouflage with Christmas trees.

You are going on an extended solo trip. What three albums and three books would you take?

White Christmas, Carrie Underwood Christmas Album, Willie Nelson – The Classic Christmas album.

Twas the Night Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Polar Express

Tell us one thing about yourself that few people know

I am actually taller than people think.

You are hosting a dinner party for six. What five people, living or dead, would you invite and why

Santa and Mrs. Claus (obvious reasons, they are like my parents), Donner (he’s actually my best reindeer friend), Hermey, he’s the elf who wanted to be a dentist and we got really close saving each other’s lives while chasing the Abominable Snowman.), the Abominable Snowman (after Hermey fixed his tooth, we realized he was really nice in real life. Plus he has a funny accent and you should see the way he eats!!)

Name an as yet unfulfilled dream

I would like to deliver presents with Santa one Christmas

If you weren’t doing what you are, you would be …

I love the reindeer, so probably a reindeer herder. Or, a Peppermint candy farmer.

Your go-to food.

Santa always brings back cookies – I mean even he can’t eat all the cookies good boys and girls leave out on Christmas Eve

Favorite movies(s)

A Christmas Story (triple dog dare you)

Elf (Will Ferrell and I are tight. I served as a consultant on that one)

Miracle on 34th Street.

Dogs or cats?

Oh please. Reindeer obviously

Your favorite quote and why

“Whenever you give someone a present or sing a holiday song, you’re helping Santa Claus. To me, that’s what Christmas is all about. Helping Santa Claus!” (LOUIS SACHAR, Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger

Name something that you are extremely glad you did or accomplished

I learned that one of the most important things in life is to give others another chance. Over the years I have watched children do naughty things, things that would prevent Santa from coming. But we all make mistakes, and I continue to watch these kids and realize they are great. They just had a bad day. By giving a second or third or fourth chance, I learn who they really are. So by doing that, they got great presents from Santa.

What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on their own

The World says you only get one chance to make a first impression. That’s true. But so what? You might mess up in that first impression, but that does not define you. Keep trying. Keep improving. Never let one instant define you. You are the sum of all your parts, not one part.