“We have been very, very busy this year,” Santa Claus told The Press during an interview Dec. 9 at Embassy Bank, 6379 Hamilton Blvd., Trexlertown.

“There are more good children this year,” Santa Claus said.

The weather has been warmer than usual and Santa Claus said the weather should not affect the delivery of gifts Dec. 24.

“The reindeer like it when it snows,” Santa Claus said. “I’m getting older so it is OK if it doesn’t snow.”

Warm or cold, children know Santa Claus will be at their houses.

Santa Claus said he is very happy with the snacks children leave for him on Christmas Eve.

He enjoys a glass of milk or water and maybe one or two cookies.

As for his favorite kind of cookie, “Every kind is my favorite,” Santa Claus said. “I like peanut butter maybe just a little bit better than the others.”

Santa Claus’ favorite dinner is spaghetti.

“Mrs. Claus has a special recipe,” Santa Claus said.

Some of Mrs. Claus’ family lives in Ireland so it is a very special Irish spaghetti.

Santa Claus said he loves visiting with children before Christmas and Mrs. Claus loves visiting the children too.

Santa Claus has been visiting with children at Embassy Bank for the last six years.

“It’s wonderful to see them here because when I go to their homes, they are sleeping,” Santa Claus said.

Receiving notes is always special for Santa Claus and he noted the penmanship is getting better. He said some children send him computer notes.

As far as feeding the reindeer, carrots and apples are always good for children to leave with Santa Claus’ milk and cookies. Santa Claus did give out a special reindeer food to the children who visited him Dec. 9.

“It is a special formula and Santa can’t tell you what is in it,” Santa Claus said. “You can bet your boots its organic.”

Santa wanted to share a special message for all boys and girls.

“Be kind to each other. There are some very mean people saying mean things. So the more love and kindness we share, the better,”

Santa and Mrs. Claus were assisted by George B. Miller and Kate Scuffle, of Allentown.

The next chance to see Santa is at the Embassy Bank at the corner of Route 378 and Colesville Road, Saucon Valley, 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 19.