BY NUTMEG JOLLYSOCKS
NORTH POLE CORRESPONDENT
Things are busy here at the North Pole as Santa Claus is preparing his sleigh to take flight tonight to deliver toys presents to all the good little boys and girls around the world.
After training hard for the past few months to prepare for the long journey, all of the reindeer are taking a break today to enjoy some special reindeer games and unwind. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen have been challenging each other to races around workshop while Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen have been practicing aerial stunts.
With a large part of the United States facing a forecast of rain on Christmas Eve night and Christmas morning, Rudolph has been busy keeping his nose shiny, just in case the night gets foggy.
Santa received a record number of letters this year, and he said he was most thrilled to receive so many letters from the children in Carter County.
“So many of the wonderful boys and girls brought their letters to the Elizabethton Star,” Santa said. “The good folks at the Star made sure the letters arrived to me on time.”
“I was pleased that the newspaper made copies of the letters to share with their readers,” he added. “Sharing the letters helped spread some Christmas cheer, and we call always use more happiness. Ho, Ho, Ho.”
The jolly old soul was pleased with how many children made the nice list this year.
“There sure are a lot of good little boys and girls there in Carter County,” Santa said.
Among the requests Santa received this year are the normal lists including dolls, action figures, electronics such as iPads, and gaming consoles like Xbox and Playstation. However, Santa said he also received some pretty unique requests asking for thinks like cars, trucks and dinosaurs.
“The elves have been working hard to get all the toys ready to deliver,” Santa said. “We should be ready to take off tonight right on schedule.”
When asked if had ever been scorched by a fire left burning in the fireplace, Santa chuckled and said “Not yet.”
“The reindeer always sniff around before I slip down the chimney,” Santa explained. “They have very sensitive noses and can always smell the smoke and feel the heat before I climb in.”
“If there is a fire burning, I can always make it in by the window or the front door,” he added. “You have to remember, not every house has a chimney and not everyone lives in a house. I have to be able to get into every child’s home, and that includes houses, apartments, huts, tents and igloos too.”