Watching his waistline: Santa’s diet seems to consist almost exclusively of cookies and milk, so it’s no wonder that he carries more than a few extra pounds. But Santa’s not the only one gaining weight — Santa suits have, too. Santa costume maker Western Staff Services reported that costume makers started letting out Santa waists in the 1970s. St. Nick got taller in the 1980s, and by the ’90s, Santas were asking for extra-extra-large costumes, sometimes with 75-inch waistbands.

On parade: When Santa is not too busy, he puts in appearances at big parades. Since 1924, Santa has been the highlight of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The annual event has delighted thousands each year, though it did take a break during World War II, when Macy’s donated the rubber used in its balloons to the war effort.

Mall magnet: You might also see St. Nick at your favorite shopping mall. There’s a price for his presence, though. A Santa at a large mall can earn more than $50 an hour — and he typically has a multiyear contract, according to Noerr Programs, a Santa-placement company.

All in a night’s work: ReligiousTolerance.org reports some fascinating facts. Santa delivers gifts to about 156 million places and about 667 million children a year. It’s reported that his sleigh, though carrying about 156,000 tons of gifts, goes 3.6 million mph.

Scanning the skies: Each Christmas Eve, NORAD customarily reports tracking a sleigh on its radar screens. Track Santa yourself this year at www.noradsanta.org.

Classic celebration?: Santa and the holidays are popular today, but the first European settlers in America discouraged celebrating Christmas. From 1659 to 1681, people in Massachusetts could be fined five shillings for honoring the holiday.