SANTA IS EXCITED. He has just two nights left to rest up before making his mammoth journey around the entire world on Christmas Eve but fears he might be too excited to sleep!

The world's most generous man graciously took the time to give his one and only annual interview to the Bray and Wicklow People this week, telling us that he has always had a 'soft spot,' for the garden of Ireland. Indeed, he helped to turn the lights on in most of the towns and villages across the county.

'I always enjoy the beautiful view when the reindeers and I are flying over Wicklow,' he said. 'If you think it's impressive from solid ground imagine what it's like from the sky!'

He said that over the last few weeks he has been meeting boys and girls from all over Wicklow, including Arklow, Wicklow, Bray, Greystones, Enniskerry, Baltinglass and everywhere inbetween. Most of them have written to him and he thinks nearly all of them will be getting something this year.

'Overall the children of Wicklow have been well behaved,' he said. 'One or two haven't been quite as good as I would like but they still have two days to be extra-extra good before I make my deliveries. I don't do it very often but be warned - I do have a bag of coal in the sleigh just in case anyone has been exceptionally naughty.'

He explained that he does carefully monitor everyone's behaviour all-year round with some help from his patrolling elves and of course all the mums and dads in the world, most of whom have his mobile number.

'If I get a phone call or a text from a mother or father, or if an elf notices some boldness on his travels, that boy or girl gets a black mark on the chart. It makes Mrs. Claus and me very unhappy when boys and girls misbehave. We're never more content than when all the children in the world are doing what their parents tell them. On days like that I have an extra skip in my step!' He spoke about the importance of going to bed early on Christmas Eve. 'Well, there is such a big day of playing to follow so all the boys and girls need their sleep,' he said, before growing stern.

'There is something far more vital to remember,' he said, gravely. 'I don't really mind being spotted from time to time but the reindeer are shy creatures. They might run away if anyone makes a sound. How would I deliver presents to the rest of the children on earth?'

Thursday night's journey is a thrilling and epic one that only Santa has ever achieved. He trains hard for it from January on, making sure his devoted reindeer stay fit and healthy and are well fed with carrots.

'Magic dust can only bring us so far. The team has to stay focused. It's not easy work flying around the globe in just a few hours.' They have put in a huge amount of work this year and are now resting at Powerscourt gardens in Wicklow until they embark on their astonishing voyage after dark on Christmas Eve.

Sometimes Santa and the gang even sneak out for a global practice run, just to stay sharp. 'So don't be surprised if you hear sleigh bells ringing outside your house some night in the middle of August!'

Santa has had to tighten his belt a little this year and won't be able to bring very big presents to the children, but each gift he gives has been very carefully selected and painstakingly crafted by the elves.

'The most valuable and unforgettable gift anyone can give at Christmas time is kindness,' he said. 'So in return for what I leave under the tree this year I want everyone to be extra nice to their parents, brothers , sisters, and friends . Make this year a special one for your family.'

He hopes that the children won't forget a snack for the reindeer when leaving out refreshments for Santa to keep him going as he makes his way from chimney to chimney.

'Don't worry about it at all if you don't have a chimney or you're staying with granny or elsewhere this Christmas,' he reminded the boys and girls of Wicklow. 'My magic powers can get me to any Christmas tree through the power of thought, and I already have a full list of those kids who are staying at different addresses this year.'

'Goodbye, until next year!' said Santa as he and his reindeer soared in to the sky, with a wave and a hearty 'ho ho ho.'