In anticipation of the big night, we sat down with one of Light Up Lakewood’s most sought after celebs -- Santa’s sidekick and syrup-eating extraordinaire – Buddy the Elf.

We asked all the questions you’re dying to ask and we got the answers. Read on to find out what Buddy the Elf likes best about Lakewood and the annual lighting ceremony and what he’s hoping to find under his tree on Christmas morning.

Q: What do you like best about being a part of Light Up Lakewood?
A: Singing loud for all to hear. It’s the best way to spread Christmas cheer, you knew that though!

Q: What are you most excited about for this year's lighting ceremony?
A: I hear there will be a showdown with the Grinch. I’m most excited to see all the sparkly lights and smiling faces. Oh, and of course, SANTA!!! I know him!

Q: What do you like best about spending time with kids waiting to see Santa?
A: I love it when they smile. Oooh-ooh or when they tell me a joke!

Q: Do you live in the North Pole? What do you do the rest of the year?
A: I moved to New York City several years ago and fell in love with Jovi. It didn’t work out. I moved to Lakewood and married the most wonderful woman in the world. I love it in Lakewood. The people are real nice, the places to eat are super good, and there are lots of dogs that need hugs!

Q: OK, let’s address the elephant in the room: Do you really eat syrup on everything? How do you stay so thin?!?
A: Almost! It’s one of the four major food groups. I sing a lot and play a lot of Elf basketball.

Q: Why are you bigger than the other elves?
A: I always listened to Papa Elf when he told me to eat my vegetables.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being an elf? What is your least favorite?
A: All the Elf games! Oh, Oh! And the Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows. Snowberries! I think that Arctic Puffin is a bit off!

Q: Tell us, how many presents does Santa really deliver on Christmas Eve?
A: More than this elf can count!

Q: Which one of Santa's reindeer is your favorite and why?
A: I would have to say Vixen. She helped me out one time when the other Elves were picking on me after Arctic Puffin said I was ginormous.

Q: We can get lots of snow here in Lakewood. What is your favorite thing to do in the snow?
A: Snowball fights!

Q: What do you want for Christmas this year?
A: An xBox with Project Natal and food from the four major food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup. I’ve been extra nice this year, maybe Mrs. Elf will come through with the Natal! I’m writing Santa every day. I plan on asking him at the Library on December 5th.

Q: What is your best advice to kids looking to score big this Christmas?
A: Do whatever you can to stay on the nice list.