Every year, a few weeks before The Big Day, Santa and Mrs. Claus carve out an evening when they can whisk themselves from the North Pole to the Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe. There, Santa hears New Mexico children’s wish lists while Mrs. Claus spreads her own spirit of comfort and joy.

This year, they plan to visit from 5:30-8 pm on Friday, Dec. 11, as part of Christmas at the Palace — a free, family event. In honor of their presence, the Palace will open its doors for free, serve hot cider and cookies and invite local musicians to spread the holiday cheer.

In anticipation, Mrs. Claus graciously agreed to a little Q&A.

Q. How long have you and Mr. Claus been married?

A. Mr. Claus and I have been happily married for many, many years, too many to count.

Q. You’ve been doing this job for hundreds of years, and for millions of children. What keeps the two of you going?

A. I would not call it a job. Mr. Claus and I have been making children happy for hundreds of years it warms our hearts. It all comes from the joy of our surroundings – of course, not to exclude our hard-working elves.

Q. Every year, you and the Mr. visit the Palace. Tell us some of your memories of past visits.

A. Yes, we do come to visit the Palace every year and are looking forward to this year.

When the children come to the Palace to visit Santa, they usually do not expect to see Mrs. Claus. The warm `hellos’ and smiles that I receive from children and their parents are so heartwarming when they see me.  Most children like to touch me to make sure that I am real. I am asked if I am the real Mrs. Claus.

One year, Mr. Claus was very tired from a long night at the Palace and one young boy was following us to make sure that we got back safely to our sleigh and reindeer. Mr. Claus went ahead of us and was clear out of sight. A few minutes later, the young boy looked up to the sky and noticed that the sleigh and reindeers had already left with Mr. Claus – and left me behind!

The young boy saw Rudolph’s red nose way up in the sky and was very concerned, wondering what I was going to do for the night. I let him know that Santa would notice that I was not in the sleigh and come back for me. The young boy was so excited and ran off to tell his parent.

Q. Do you have a message for the children of New Mexico?

A. I would like to welcome the children of New Mexico back to the Palace again this year for another wonderful and exciting time of the year.