Santa Claus is a busy guy and not just during Christmas time.

Since Tim Mack was featured in the Tribune last July in a story about a Santa convention in Branson, Miss., the Belt man has modeled for a storybook ("Miracle at Cabbagehead Pass," illustrated by Brian Morger), acted in a milk and cookies commercial for the Udder Company, and received a bachelor's degree in Santa-ology (obviously not a four-year bachelor's).

The jolly old elf recently checked in with the Tribune to spread a little cheer, find out what the communities editor wants for Christmas, and tell what's on tap for the rest of the year.

"I applied for the position of Santa down at (Santa's) Candy Castle in Santa Claus, Ind.," he said. "I beat out 300 other Santas for the job." The Candy Castle, originally dedicated in 1935, is known as the nation's first themed attraction. The sugar shack, which features a Santa's workshop, 25 different flavors of candy canes, frozen hot chocolate and lemonade slushies, was restored and reopened to the public in 2006 after being shut for 30 years.

And Mack, a naturally-bearded Santa who plays the part 365 days a year, was the best Santa for the job.

"Being Santa Claus is not simply donning a red suit or pulling on big black boots," said Kevin Klosowski, with Santa's Candy Castle. "Santa Claus comes from the heart. We feel that Tim has tremendous passion for what he does and that he possesses the true spirit of Christmas."

Mack said he's looking forward to the gourmet hot chocolate and muffins, but he plans to host Santa's Candy Castle only through the summer. Then he's off on a seven-day Caribbean cruise with about 40 other Santas. He plans to attend classes at the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Mich., too.

"It's the oldest Santa school in the world," he said.

Mack has become the secretary for the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas, which held the convention in Branson, and he's working to incorporate the organization as a nonprofit. He also continues to volunteer for Santa America, a nonprofit organization that brings unconditional love, hope and joy to families in hospice, bereavement, chronic pediatric care or post-traumatic stress.

He said he wishes he could volunteer year-round, but his Santa wardrobe and grooming comes with a price. That's why he's going to be Santa at a mall in Minnesota during the Christmas season, from the mid-November through Christmas Eve.

Then he'll fly home to celebrate Christmas with his Mrs. Claus, aka Dana Mack.

"I have a lot of fun with what I do," Mack said. "There can't be a better job in the world than being Santa."