AJC columnist Matt Kemper caught up with Santa to talk all things Christmas: from getting peed on to helping kids smile for the camera.

Santa's No. 1 rule? Never "promise to bring what they want."

"The important thing is that they get another group picture that keeps getting bigger and bigger every year," he said. "I've even had them bring in the pictures and say here Santa, I've been coming to see you for 15 years."

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Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller