Santa's sleigh landed at Hamilton Place mall on Nov. 10 and came to Northgate mall six days later.
With so much on the line for retailers in the waning months of 2018, we thought we'd check in with some of "Santa's helpers."
Here's the interview - direct, casual and wishful - with those guys who do the heavy sitting at malls across the country so grandparents can get that screaming photo of BoBo and little Jimmy on the lap of a strange man in a red suit.
EDGE: What would you like to be called?
No. 1: Call me Kris. I am fine being a representative of the Big Guy up North making the making happen.
No. 2: Call me Nick, but that is not in regard to St. Nick. The Big Guy is the big guy.
No. 3: I am a servant, working for the folks who want photos and the spirit of Christmas to live forever.
EDGE: So, guys, how much direct connection do you have to Santa and his North Pole-based multi-national enterprise?
No. 2: I think I can answer this for the group. If you are not in contact with the Big Guy and his plans, then you surely are misleading the Christmas-loving folks everywhere. We are here to collect direct requisitions.
No. 1: Sure, he knows who is naughty and who is nice in the grand scheme of things. We are the boots on the ground, so to speak.
EDGE: OK, and I get that. Big question: Have you ever felt a wet diaper on your knee?
All of the Santas: "Of Course!"
EDGE: So what's that like?
No. 2: It's a badge of honor that let's you know the kids are comfortable sharing their Christmas list with you.
EDGE: Santas, what do you make of the rising prices of "photos with Santa" at malls? Is that kind of a Christmas cash grab?
No. 1: What?!?!?!?
No. 2: This is the season of miracles you jack-wagon, "fake news" hack.
No.3: Santas ... relax. I will ask you Mr. Edge: Is there a value you can put on an image of your kids filled with Christmas joy? No?!?! So consider this: Maybe, some things are priceless.
EDGE: Touché.
So there we are. Santa has the final word.
Merry Christmas.