ONEONTA _ Dasher, Dancer, Donner, Blitzen ... and Rudolf.
Reciting names of Santa's reindeer was just one lesson at school this autumn, Merry Claus said Sunday during a visit in Oneonta.
The course reviewed the traditions and experiences of Santa, who had to practice his ``ho, ho, ho'' to make it a genuine ``belly laugh,'' she said.
Merry Claus, known locally as Nancy Murphy, attended the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Mich., for three days this past October. The school was established 72 years ago, its website said, and lessons cover the history and activities of Santa and Mrs. Santa Claus.
``We did a lot of singing,'' Merry Claus said. Other important lessons were to stay true to her character, keep a change of clothes handy, be prepared for questions from children and the differences between giving and receiving gifts, she said.
On Saturday, Merry Claus visited St. Mary's School in the town of Oneonta and Capresso coffee bar in downtown Oneonta and the Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts on Ford Avenue in the city.
``I came home pooped, but it was fun,'' she said. Her schedule will include visits to other Main Street sites later this month. When Santa is present, she helps him, she said, and other times, she read books, leads hat-making activities or visits with children and their parents.
Children often want her to pass along gift-requests to Santa, she said, and sometimes, she has to reply that the elves are working hard on making toys but demand is high. Another lesson learned is to make no promises, she said.
Merry Claus said she and Santa live at the North Pole ``on the top of the world.'' She wouldn't revealed her age but said she has been married to Santa a long time, and their children are ``all the children in the world.''
``We love boys and girls,'' she said.
Children often ask if Santa eats all the cookies left for his visits on Christmas Eve, Mrs. Santa Claus said. Some are taken back to the North Pole, where the crumbs become magical cookie dust that help the reindeer fly. She said Santa knows to direct the sleigh and the reindeer for a landing closer to Muller Plaza downtown because the usual landing spot _ the building and roof of the former Bresee's Oneonta Department Store _ are being renovated.
Murphy said she appreciated that the $400 tuition to attend Santa School was paid by Main Street Oneonta, an organization of downtown businesses and supporters. Murphy, owner of Murphy House, a bed and breakfast in Oneonta, is among these members.
Murphy said she started Mrs. Santa Claus five years ago, volunteering her time to appear downtown to be sure local children had a direct connection to Santa. Many stories are told of Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus visiting the former Bresee's store, she said, adding that she wants to help create memories of holiday visits to downtown Oneonta for area residents.
Murphy said dressing in her Mrs. Santa Claus dress and making appearances is ``a privilege.''
``I want Main Street, Oneonta, to be a family friendly place,'' she said. ``I want to make downtown fun.''
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