ME AND MY MONEY:Santa Claus
Are you a saver or a spender?A bit of both. I tend to save from the very start of January, and then come early December I spend everything on getting organised for Christmas. Everything, of course, goes up in price, so I suppose I should consider preparing earlier in the year. I'm so busy, though, that I never get around to it.
Do you shop around for better value?I try to, but as I'm stuck in the North Pole I'm confined to what's there. I have tried to shop online, of course, but I can't get past the fact that I'm a very old man, and because of this I find it difficult to understand. They also want far too much information – some of which I just don't know. My mother's maiden name? I really haven't a clue.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?I've never been one for extravagant purchases.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?Snow socks for the reindeers and snow chains for the sleigh. I believe they'll come in very handy when I'm in Ireland at the end of this week.
Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?Excuse me but I'm Santa Claus – borders mean nothing to me.
Do you haggle over prices?Occasionally, but only if I feel it's necessary. Most of the time I'm satisfied with what I buy – although that said I do wish the price of the iPad would drop. Oops – have I given anything away with that comment?
Has the recession changed your spending habits?Not really my own, but I think it's important to say two things here: this year, my sacks are not as weighed down as they used to be, and certain Irish political figures will definitely be getting coal.
Do you invest in shares?No. Life is risky enough without that sort of thing. I invest in sharing love around the world, though, so does that answer your question?
Cash or card?For me, cash is king, queen, prince and princess, jack and knave. Have you ever tried to pay for something with a Laser card in a souk in Morocco?
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?A hand-held GPS unit – superb value. You've no idea how many times in the past I've got lost – especially in Ireland, where local authorities (I use that word loosely) think visitors know how to get from A to B without proper signage.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a big purchase?I've never had to do that. Because I'm Santa Claus I tend to get quite a few things either for very, very little or on special discount from all the major stores and outlets.
Have you ever lost money?Absolutely not. Mrs Claus wouldn't like it if I did.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?I gamble each and every year I head out to deliver Christmas presents – you never know if people will like what I give them.
Is money important to you?Not necessarily, as I get so much pleasure from giving. What I receive in return – the beautiful wishes of children, and the knowledge that they believe in something positive and loving – is worth much more than hard cash.
How much money do you have on you now?Let's have a rummage – coins are too heavy and weigh down the sleigh so I have notes from America, Japan, India, South Africa, Norway, Finland, England and Iceland. Oh, and a trolley token for Aldi.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
