There is no doubt Christmas is a big deal. Every year we decorate our trees, watch our Christmas movies and wrap presents. But most of all, we let Santa know what we want for Christmas.

It goes without saying, there is more than a fictional character behind the mask of the jolliest symbol of the holidays. I decided to talk with this iconic figure.

While waiting to talk to Santa, I climbed the St. Matthews Mall walls up to the roof and found his beloved reindeer. They were not happy.

“We’ve been up here all day,” said Rudolf, leader of the merry bunch.

“Honestly, we’re tired of being left around like this all the time,” Blitzen said.

Rudolf looked down in despair. “It’s as if we don’t even matter.”

But the reindeer matter. They do all the work.

“The real honor in being a reindeer isn’t the glory. Oh no, it’s the sacrifice,” said Dasher almost too quickly.

“Sacrifice is what reindeer are for,” Dancer said.

“I like yams,” Vixen said.

“Do you think you could get us in the mall?” Dancer asked.

Being a Santa is an important job during the holidays, especially to those who don the red suit. While the Santa at Jefferson Mall in J’town has spent 15 years on the job, the Santa at St. Matthews Mall has been listening to what children want for 18 years.

“This isn’t a job; it’s a lifestyle,” Jefferson Santa said. “It’s all about giving.”

Of his work at the mall, St. Matthews Santa said, “It’s extremely important to not only children but parents.”

In an age of skepticism it is a common belief that children are turning away from myths. Santa, along with the tooth fairy and Easter bunny, seem like tales children can’t believe in anymore. But this isn’t true, according to St. Matthews Santa.

He said, “Kids haven‘t changed over time. It’s the parents.”

Jefferson Santa said, “Every kid is like the first I ever saw.”

Among the items kids have asked for over the years are toys from popular movies of the time.

“Ninja Turtles has always been constant,” St. Matthews Santa said.

Among other consistently popular toys are Legos, along with the latest technology.

“Electronics are a big thing I get asked about,” Jefferson Santa said.

Santa always will be a major symbol for Christmas but not the most important, St. Matthews Santa said.

“(Santa) teaches children about the gift of giving,” he said. “Jesus is the real reason for the season.”