Dec 24th, Phonm Pehn – Just minutes ago around midnight local time, a number of homesick Western tourists appeared to witness what they could only conclude as Mr. St. Nicklaus himself. One onlooker was able to snap a quick photo of the mysterious man on foot heading due west down 174th Street. The picture appears to be of a male in a red suit and hat, and white suspenders. Suspiciously, he appears to be wearing sandals. The unconfirmed picture of Kris Kringle also casts doubt when one looks at the subject’s waistline, a much skinnier version than previous December 25ths. Add to that what appears to be a long mane off golden hair and it’s not certain whether Santa has been spotted, or perhaps a big-foot, yeti, or one of the many recently reported Wookie sightings.

New photo and subsequent interview confirm find: Santa is in Phnom Penh!

This photo taken just before midnight local time seems to confirm what earlier witnesses had concluded: Santa Claus is indeed in Phnom Penh! When the subject was asked about the new younger fit and hippie look, the so-called Santa gave a simple response.

“It’s been so warm this season, I didn’t think I needed the extra weight to stay cozy this Christmas. So I’ve been doing the pilates with the Mrs. and we’re using the face-creams on a nightly basis; I feel like we fit right in with the crunchy twenty-something crowd here in Southeast Asia!”

“And that would explain the sandals?”

“Indeed. Check these babies out! Those elves did one heck of a job this year hemming my suit and custom making these ready-for-the-beach Santa “boots!”

“Well Santa, you better finish up that cocktail, er um… that plate of cookies. A lot of work yet to do tonight.”

“Ho ho ho. You betcha, kiddo!”

And with a nod of his nose and a twinkle in his eye, he was gone. But I heard him exclaim as he mopedded out of sight. “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Merry Christmas from Phnom Penh, everyone!