Bene Office Furniture

Kris Kringle, North Pole, DK-3900 Nuuk

Kris Kringle is living proof of how a calling can become a profession. As Santa Claus, he has a very unusual work rhythm, yet it’s important to him not to be labelled as a seasonal worker: "The logistical effort leading up to December 24th takes up most of the year, and the population growth is having a major impact on our operations." Kringle strives to keep his services as accessible as possible: a letter or e-mail suffices to hire his services, and he doesn’t have any religious preferences. "I know that I’m often mixed up with Saint Nicholas", he says with a grin. "But I feel very ecumenical: my business is certainly based on believing in me. Whatever else people believe is their own affair."


Mr Kringle, do you have a "primary workplace" – and if you do, where is it?

Well now, I have my office at the North Pole, but my actual workplace is the entire world! That means that I change scenery very, very quickly – and in just one night! Ho, ho, ho!

The office as a space: What do you like about your office? What do you dislike about your office?

I prefer a rather rustic, homey style. This seems more tranquil to me, since my flat, office and workshop are all together. Sounds strange when you consider that the stress level – above all in the phase before Christmas – is fearfully high. But there are small things that always help me relax: lots of wood and natural materials, my PARCS Wing Chair – a custom design for my, um, rather broad backside [laughs]. And pre-warmed house shoes! I couldn’t work without them. What I don’t like is the training chimney that Mrs Kringle sentenced me to a couple of years ago. But that’s just part of the routine.

Are there any places or locations where you have particularly enjoyed working?

Well, although we’ve added workshops and factory buildings over the years, I still love most to stand at my workbench where I can do my own woodturning...

Are there places where you would especially like to work?

I have thought of moving my operations, maybe to an island in the South Pacific. Above all because it gets dark so quickly in the north in autumn. On the other hand, working by candlelight helps to get in the Christmas spirit.

Do you prefer to work alone in your office or with others?

I’m rarely alone because without my army of busy elves it would hardly be possible to get all the work done! The Christkind has it somewhat easier because he’s able to conjure up everything he needs with his angels.

Do you find your office to be a place of inspiration, of creativity?

Inspiration always tends to come from my "second workplace", when I distribute the gifts. All of the houses, all of the cities – they give me ideas. But the creativity, the actual implementation, takes place in the office. That’s my source of strength. And it has been for centuries!

Are there certain rituals that you consider important in your working life?

Well, I can’t imagine a more important "ritual" than Christmas! [laughs] But of course, during the rest of the year I’ve become accustomed to my rituals: if I run out of ideas, I go to clean out the reindeer stables, which frees up my brain for new thoughts.

When you look back over the entire period of your "office life", what changes would you describe as most decisive?

Settling those annoying territorial disputes with the Christkind! We finally finalised a business agreement over a glass of warm glögg that governs who flies to where. Basically, now we fly to wherever people believe in us! And if a problem comes up, we help each other out. But don’t tell anyone! [winks]

What is the most important object in yur office?

That’s definitely my comfy old leather couch! I’m able to think, plan and read wish-lists comfortably in my Wing Chair... but the couch is my first stop when I come back after my tour! You can believe that. [grins]

What is the most important tool for your work?

The sled! But I only use it outside the office, of course.

What is your favourite activity in the context of work?

When I was younger, I used to say: sliding down the chimney chute. But my priorities have changed. In the meantime, it is clearly: giving the gifts! Sometimes I peek through the window while the children are opening them. Their joy, their cheer... that’s my absolute favourite part, and the most beautiful reward for my work! Although I can never say no to milk and cookies...

Thank you for the interview.