Santa's plate is full these days, and we're not just talking cookies and milk here (toss some dried cranberries in the dough this year, by the way, and leave a mug of milk, not brandy eggnog, for the jolly one).

It's not only shopping mall photo ops, kids telling him what they want for Christmas and gearing up for that Christmas Eve sleigh ride around the world.

One of Santa Claus' lesser-known but fondest holiday duties is helping guys pop the question during the (Target) Holidazzle Parade, which this particular Kris Kringle said happens several times a year during the event's run. The Holidazzle Parade takes place at 6:30 nightly Thursdays through Sundays until Dec. 19 on Nicollet Mall. The proposals typically happen outside a tent on Peavey Plaza where the couples are waiting.

"You may not know this but Santa is quite a hook-up artist," Santa said. "I ride in the float, the final float in the Holidazzle, my driver pulls right up to the happy couple and then I say the magic words: I say, 'Somebody has a question to ask.' And then the groom-to-be asks: 'Will you marry me?'"

When he's not at Holidazzle, this Santa is at one shopping center or another, getting the rundown on kids' wish lists for gifts, and his post-Christmas plans include a short break at the North Pole and recap of events with the elves.

Three and out with Santa

  • What are kids asking for most this year?

I've had requests for snowboards, for iPods and one young lady asked me for Justin Bieber last night!

  • How often do the little ones have accidents on your lap?

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! That's a good one. I can tell some good stories but maybe they're not good for print. Elf technology is a wonderful thing. The waterproof pants that I have serve me well in snowy areas of the world on Dec. 24th and they also serve me well for those accidents.

  • What are some funny or weird gift requests?

Some want animals from a zoo. Can you imagine a lion living in a condo? I can't grant requests like that.

Three more and out Santa

  • What's the cry-to-smile ratio when you're taking pictures with kids?

Young children are over skeptical. I'm very unusually dressed; my outfit dates back to something like 1850. But I would say many more smiles than cries.

  • Ever want to shave off that beard?

I had a little itch last night and I felt like it but it's really a part of me. It would be quite a loss to cut my beard but the elf magic probably would make it grow back right away.

  • What are your favorite Christmas movies or TV specials?

"Miracle on 34th Street is a favorite and of course the old Jimmy Stewart classic, "It's a Wonderful Life," is a wonderful holiday movie too. I do also like "A Charlie Brown Christmas."