Santa's Blog

Mood: Stressed but jolly?
Listening to: Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

Hello Everyone,

Well it's the day before the Big Day for 'Ol Santa - Christmas Eve Eve.  Crunch time - big time now!  Amazon emailed 'Ol Santa again.  They shipped the final ten items, that we were again unable to find in stores yesterday.  But those items will not arrive until the 26th of December.  Hmm ... think it's time to utilize a little bit of 'Ol Santa's magic.  He just may can work with that ...

There's a lot to do today!  'Ol Santa has to help clean cages for the small animals, help the Toy Production Elves finish up, then help the Wrapping Department finish up, and help load the sleigh, and finish my list.  Finishing the list today will be easy - just the Y's and Z's - there's not too many of those! 

Oh, and if I have time I did promise to help Mrs. Claus with some more baking today in the kitchen.  I did help her yesterday and she did let me make some chocolate chip cookie dough!  Yum ... yum!

'Ol Santa wants to remind you to not focus too much on the hustle and bustle of this season.  Believe me, I know ALL about the hustling and bustling part of it.  You do have to take some time for a quiet moment and drink in the meaning of it all - LOVE. 

Something 'Ol Santa likes to do is turn out all the lights, have a fire going the tree lights on, and a small candle and read one of his favorite stories - 'Twas the Night before Christmas.  It's a beautiful, magical, quiet moment.  I read this to Mrs. Claus, the cats and guinea pigs and some of the Elves that like to attend and come into my den for my annual reading. 

Then after that, I like to read the Christmas story in a children's book.  Christmas was started as the celebration of Christ's birth.  There are many differing beliefs that swirl around Christ.  The one thing 'Ol Santa does believe, is that Christ is a spirit of love - and he came with the message of love from God.  Christmas thus points to something very important - love.  There is nothing more important than that.  Every kind deed, every healthy choice comes from love.

And something very important to remember about kindness and healthy choices - be kind to yourself, make healthy choices for yourself - FIRST.  Until your kind and compassionate with yourself, and make healthy choices (be they physical, emotional, mindful and/or spiritual choices) for yourself, you are weakened to be kind and healthy towards others.  Be the best you can be - and that starts with loving yourself - FIRST - then  you can share that love with others.  Now, that's a stocking stuffer for you.

Know that you are loved by the Divine no matter what name you call them. 

'Ol Santa of course will not be blogging tomorrow, as tomorrow is the BIG Day for 'Ol Santa.  But I will be blogging a few days after Christmas to let you know how 'Ol Santa's Christmas went.

My love to each and everyone of you!  Ho-Ho-Ho!

Happiest of Holidays,
Santa Claus

Mood: Somber ...
Listening to: I'll Have a Blue Christmas

Hello Everyone,

Well, sadly I just checked my email.  That last order of ten items that I ordered through Amazon is not available, and I'm not going to get those last items by the 24th of December.    The only thing we can do now is go on a hunt again at nearby stores - which is so hard to do - we have so much to do today.  We really don't have time to be going out and about.  We are in crunch time.  It just makes me feel weary.  'Ol Santa does not like letting anyone down.  We have found a stress button of mine.

Good news is 'Ol Santa is on schedule with his list.  I'm on the W's and X's today.  The W's will take some time, but I'll breeze right through the X's - not many of those.

It's snowing just as the Weather Elf predicted on the Elf News.  It's supposed to snow through Sunday - the BIG day for 'Ol Santa!  It's hard to believe that's only two days away. 

I'll be helping the Elves in toy production today and in the Wrapping Department as well.  I'll probably have to help Mrs. Claus in the kitchen today or tomorrow as well.  She gives a lot of baked goods away - so she'll be working overtime too.  Hmm ... wonder if she'll let me make a batch of chocolate chip cookie dough (of course I'll have to hold the eggs) for a little treat!  Ho-Ho-Ho!  That's a treat I sure enjoyed last year!

Well, 'Ol Santa has to cut this short today - so much to do, and now we have to do some unscheduled shopping ... sigh.

Have a GREAT day, everyone!

Happiest of Holidays,
Santa Claus

Mood: Excited - Christmas is only a few days away!
Listening to: The Elves watching Casper's Haunted Christmas the movie as they work.

Hello Everyone,

My, have I missed you.  I didn't get to blog at all this weekend nor Monday.  Saturday 'Ol Santa did the last of his trademark shopping, and then he went to the malls for the kids to sit on his lap, and then he even visited several pet shops - Ho-Ho-Ho!  The kids and the pets - now that was a lot of fun!  The weather sure was warm for you all.  'Ol Santa was glad to return to the North Pole.  He felt like he was Frosty the Snowman melting in his Santa suit.

Then that night the Mrs. and I attended the Elf Ball.   You should have seen Mrs. Claus.  She was absolutely beautiful.  She wore a little holly and some mistletoe in her hair.  Ho-Ho-Ho ... 'Ol Santa was rather fond of the mistletoe.  She and I got down with "Jingle Bell Rock" and enjoyed a beautiful slow dance to "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas."   The Elves had the castle beautifully decorated.  We were even surprised by several, and when I say several I mean about 100 or so Faeries.  The Faeries can't turn down a good party.  They were especially fond of the ice sculptures the Elves had carved.  They had done one of me, Mrs. Claus, each of the reindeer, some of the Elves, and some Faeries.   We had a splendid time.

While 'Ol Santa was gone on Saturday, his order of productions came in.  So, I helped the Elves get started on that on Sunday.  I worked with them from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm.  I then ate a quick lunch and then joined the Elves in the Wrapping Department at 12:15.  They were way behind schedule.  I stayed with them until 8:00 pm.  We stopped wrapping at 7:30 and then cleaned up all the mess and finished that at 8:00.  Then I worked on my list until 11:00 pm.  Swew!  'Ol Santa was tired, but not as tired as he expected to be.

Monday, 'Ol Santa went to visit the elderly.  It's good to cheer up the "older" children as well, bless their sweet hearts.  I was gone all day for that, had to leave early, so I could get back and help with more toy production and really hit the list hard, as I missed doing the list on Saturday. 

Tuesday and Wednesday, 'Ol Santa finally had time to blog with you, but the blog site was down.    It was just 'Ol Santa's luck.  He's very thankful it's back up today!

The puppies and kittens came in on Tuesday.  What a load of fun.  All those puppy kisses and those little kittens playing with 'Ol Santa's beard.  We've had no more guinea pig fights, the other males are getting along just fine, and we've had no problems with any of the females.  I helped clean cages on Tuesday, and we're due to clean more today.  I'll be helping with that.  The hamsters, mice, gerbils, and ferrets came in yesterday, and so did the parakeets, cockatiels and parrots.  We have a regular zoo here now.  'Ol Santa is in animal heaven.

We received partials of our other order we had ordered.  We received 30 of the gifts we had ordered, and we received notification of 10 they shipped yesterday, that will arrive by the SDPS man on Friday the 22nd.  The other last 10 will be shipped as soon as they are available.  I pray that is today, so we can receive them by the 23rd.  These are trademarked gifts, that we can't make.  'Ol Santa doesn't want to be 10 gifts shy. 

The reindeer will do the last of their flight practices today, as they are calling for more snow, starting this evening until Saturday evening.  'Ol Santa feels they are more than ready, so let it snow!  That reminds me of a song - Ho-Ho-Ho!

Okay, 'Ol Santa's got to help the Elves with toy productions, then work with the reindeer and their flight practices then help clean some guinea pig cages and care for our new small zoo!

Have a GREAT day, Everyone!

Happiest of Holidays,
Santa Claus 

Mood: Sleepy but good!
Listening to: Angels We Have Heard on High

Hello Everyone,

Well 'Ol Santa woke with a start this morning!  Nemet came rushing in to get me.  One of the baby guinea pig males was attacking two others with whom it shared a cage.  We couldn't find any of our extra cages we keep for such emergencies.  We usually have them on the shelves in the Animal Gift Room.  But the shelves were empty of cages.  We had to hand hold the agressive guinea pig until Holly finally came back from our storage room with a cage.  She sent some other Elves to fetch the rest of the empty shelves to bring them in just in case that emergency rose again, as it took her thirty minutes to find the cages.

You have no idea just how big that storage room is.  You can actually get lost in there.  Don't laugh, we really do have a map for it!  We try to break it down to certain sections to keep everything organized, but as many elves that come in and out not all of them are as up on their organization skills as some of the others.  Anytime any of us have to go to the storage room, we groan as we take our steps that lead to it.  Sigh ...

The other guinea pigs that were being attacked are okay.  Nothing a little tender love couldn't soothe.  Bless their little hearts.

The kitten is now into helping 'Ol Santa tie his boot laces.  I do my best to assure her that 'Ol Santa can tie them all on his own being he's been tying his boots for many a year now, but she insists on helping 'Ol Santa anyway.  Believe me, it's time to trim her tiny little claws again, as 'Ol Santa got to feel them as he tried to tie his boot laces with her help.  Ho-Ho-Ho!

Waking up with a start has left 'Ol Santa so sleepy!  Didn't get to hit my snooze button this morning, and get that extra ten minutes of sleep.  Knock on wood, thus far my alarm clock has been behaving of late.

Good news for you kids in school!  'Ol Santa is coming to town tomorrow to do the mall scenes, so you older kids, while you're out of school can tell 'Ol Santa what it is you want for Christmas.  I have a few more trade items to pick up too, and I think that will be it for my shopping for this year, provided the two orders I'm waiting on come in on time!

Went to the XmasMart for groceries yesterday, and you would not believe what we've added to the grocery list since yesterday evening that we forgot!  On my way home from the malls Saturday, I'll drop in back to the XmasMart and pick up those items.

Do you realize it's only 8 more days for 'Ol Santa's big Christmas Eve run?  Time is flying as fast as my reindeer do!

We've got the Elf Ball tomorrow evening too.  That should be fun.  It will be time for a little recreation!  Then 'Ol Santa promised to help the Elves in the Wrapping Department again on Sunday.  So, with my busily scheduled weekend, I'm not sure if I'll be able to blog, but I will certainly try.

Have a SUPER weekend, everyone!  SAFE Christmas shopping, and I  hope to see YOU in the malls on Saturday!

Happiest of Holidays,
Santa Claus

Mood: Quite Merry!
Listening to: Let it Snow, let it snow, let it snow! Though it isn't snowing today.

Hello Everyone!

Hope your day is going well.  'Ol Santa seems to be growing a kitten everywhere.  Now, I can hear you saying, "Huh?"  So, let me explain.  When I brush my teeth in the morning, my arm suddenly grows a kitten that suspiciously looks just like my kitten.   And then the growth moves to my shoulder and sometimes to my head.

Even when um ... well, even when 'Ol Santa reads the Christmas Town Chronicle while sitting upon the throne in the bathroom, I grow a kitten on my back.

Washing my hands this morning in Mrs. Claus' kitchen, I grew a kitten on my legs, then the growth moved to my shoulder and stuck fastly to it!

Ho-Ho-Ho!  Of course 'Ol Santa is jiving with you, but his little kitten sure does love to cling to him.  It's quite sweet and cute!

Okay, Dataelf looked into the kitten and puppy delivery that came in the form of a guinea pig delivery.  Sure enough they sent the wrong pets!  Don't know what happened there.  We should now be getting the puppies and kittens on Monday next week along with the other small animals, such as the hamsters, mice and birds.  'Ol Santa will be gone that day.  He's going to go visit the elderly in the hospitals.  So, I'll miss the delivery.  That's okay, I'll see them that evening when I get home.

This morning 'Ol Santa's got to do inventory with Dataelf with all his purchases he got yesterday, and see where that brings us with our budget and what remains to be purchased.  I couldn't find everything I wanted.  We're still waiting on two orders.  One for trademark items and one for materials for the Elves to put under production.  That order is making me nervous.  That's putting us under the wire a bit.  The Elves will need three days to make the toys from that order.

'Ol Santa's got good news - he's up to the M's on the list!  He's starting to catch up!  That's a relief ... sigh.

'Ol Santa had to break down and give his dog an early Christmas present.  He had a horse bucket to feed his dog his food, because the dog likes to bury bowls, if he didn't pick it up and dump out the food.  He was starting to eat the rubber horse bucket!!  We're talking extremely, thick and durable rubber.  And he was managing to bury that too now.  So, he had to give in finally and give him a bucket like his water bucket, which is hard plastic feeding bucket, clamped on the pen high enough where he can't bury it.  Silly Border Collie!  This is the hardest dog 'Ol Santa's ever tried to feed and water.

Dataelf just reminded me about yesterday's riddle.  It must have been harder than 'Ol Santa thought for he didn't receive any answers.  Well, here's the answer - Jack Frost!  Go back to yesterday's entry just below to see the riddle, if you missed yesterday's blog entry.

All right, 'Ol Santa needs to get off here and get onto inventory and the budget, then join the Elves in toy production and the reindeer in flight practices.  We have another nice sunny day for it.

Have a GREAT day everyone!

Happiest of Holidays,
Santa Claus

Mood: Quite Jolly!
Listening to: The Elves watching Looney Tunes - they're on a Hot Cocoa Break!

Hello Everyone,

'Ol Santa is in good spirits this morning.  Our budget getting an extra boost was an early Christmas gift to him.  Now, I can go do that shopping, I've been needing to do for the trademark gifts.  So, shopping and visiting the malls is on my agenda today.

It's raining this morning.  This weather really confounds me.  It's blistering cold one morning and 40 degrees and raining the next.  We've needed the rain though to melt the top covers of snow.  It's been over a month since we've had rain, and the snow has just been getting deeper and deeper.  It was getting very hard to walk through.  Good timing too, as the Weather Elf has been calling for snow next week.

You're not going to believe this!  Our kittens and puppies that were due yesterday ... there must have been a goof up somewhere along the line.  When the SDPS man arrived he handed us carriers full of baby guinea pigs!  Oh, they're so adorable!!  They're so furry and they run around in circles making their little wink wink sounds!  Ho-Ho-Ho!  'Ol Santa is having fun playing with all the guinea pigs.  We have to feed them pellets, hay and baby carrots.  I had a ball last night.  With my pet guinea pigs being full grown, I had forgotten how small they are when they are babies.  Ho-Ho-Ho!

But usually we don't get the small animals until the last week.  I don't know what happened to the shipment of puppies and kittens.  Dataelf is looking into that today.

'Ol Santa caught Mrs. Claus in the Animal Gift Room today in there holding and playing with the baby guinea pigs.  That was so sweet.  She was snuggling them.  She didn't know I saw her.  That gives 'Ol Santa an idea for Mrs. Claus' Christmas present this year. 

'Ol Santa caught a good Christmas movie last night.  I like to pass them on to you, in case you're looking for a good to one to watch.  It was the Elf movie.  It was really sweet and heartwarming.  The Elves here teased 'Ol Santa in that it's been out for a few years now, and I've missed it.  They've been watching it all along.  It's one of their favorites.  Hmm ... wonder why?  Ho-Ho-Ho!Sometimes it's hard for 'Ol Santa to keep up with the latest happening things!

'Ol Santa has a riddle for you.  See if you can figure it out, and I'll post the answer tomorrow.

You can't see me.
You can't hear me.
But you know that I'm there.
Watch your fingers, toes and nose ...
as they are tasty to me.

Who am I?

Send in your answers in the comments.  Let 'Ol Santa see how smart you are!

Okay, let 'Ol Santa tend to his list a bit this morning, before he heads out to town.  Keep watch for me ... you never know which mall I'm liable to visit!  Hope to see you there!!

Happiest of Holidays!
Santa Claus

Mood: Quiet & reflective ...
Listening to: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Hello Everyone,

The temperature dropped here again at the Pole.  We were down to 12 degrees this morning, when 'Ol Santa fed the reindeer and took his dog for a walk.  Brr ...

Well, that business letter 'Ol Santa had to write yesterday was sent and we received in the mail  yesterday too a partial refund ... partial have you.  But that refund did give our budget a boost.  So, I am thankful for that.  I'll be able to do more shopping for trademarks gifts that needed to be done.  I think I'll do that tomorrow and incorporate some more visits with the children in the malls too, while I'm out and about.  So, you better watch out ... 'Ol Santa is coming to town tomorrow!  Ho-Ho-Ho!

'Ol Santa is so excited.  He can't wait for the arrival of the puppies and kittens today!  I got a feeling, this day is going to go by in turtle mode!  Ever notice it does that when you're waiting for something you really want ... but boy does it fly when you're having a good time, or waiting for something you don't want.  Do you want to know why that is?  It's not magic.  It's your perception.  Your peception is how time is for you.  Your peception is how your life is, and how the world spins around you.   No one's life is anything like yours, not even a twin sibling's - because your perceptions are different from everybody else's.

Reindeer practices went well yesterday, except for the little mishap of Dasher sliding into Dancer's um ... back end upon landing.  'Ol Santa had to admit, that caused him and the helping Elves to laugh a good laugh!  Ho-Ho-Ho! The snow is slippery up here!  Not to worry ... Dasher and Dancer are okay.

So, on today's agenda is working on my shopping list for tomorrow, help the Elves in toy productions, work on checking the list, and I've got to squeeze some exercises in ... I've gotten rather slack on those of late ... this is my busiest month, I keep telling Nieva who keeps reminding me that I need to schedule and DO my exercises.

Oh, 'Ol Santa forgot to tell you, the Elf Ball got postponed to this coming weekend.  Between me and you, I think the Elves got a little tired from that first party and wanted to take a break this past weekend.  Anyway, we have that to look forward to this weekend.  That's always fun.  Me and the Mrs. get all dressed up.  I bet you can't guess what I wear?!  Ho-Ho-Ho!  But of course, I wear my Santa Suit!  Ho-Ho-Ho!

Okay, time for 'Ol Santa to get off here and get back to work.  Wonderful wishes to you all today!

Happiest of Holidays,
Santa Claus

Mood: A bit stressed but still joyful ...
Listening to: Deck the Halls with boughs of Holly ... Fa la la la la la la la la ... oh sorry, you caught me singing along again!

Hello Everyone,

'Ol Santa  worked hard on his list yesterday and got up to the L's.  It's coming along. 

Today 'Ol Santa has some stressful work on his agenda.  I have a business company that is not honoring what 'Ol Santa bought and they keep coming up with every excuse under the sun.  I'm going to have to send them a letter of grievance today.  'Ol Santa has been patient with the company and has given them every possible chance.  I'm now left no choice.

I have to go into Christmas Town today to go to the Elfrun Pet Store.  I'm running out of guinea pig food for my pet guinea pigs.  The Elves that run that store are so delightful.  They keep 'Ol Santa in pet stock.  I'd be lost without them.  They let me order large bags of food through them, so I don't have to come in as often.  I have four pet guinea pigs, and they are so sweet.

The temperature is still going to be warm again today, another 38 degrees they are predicting.  So, we're going to run some more reindeer flight practices.  Hopefully they'll go a little better today then they did last week.  One of the reindeer hit a patch of ice instead of landing in the snow, and went slipping and sliding and run into one of the Elves.  Luckily Nemet was okay.  She only got knocked down into a snow drift.  That was quite scary there for a moment.

After the reindeer practices, I'm back on toy production, and back on my list.

Dataelf has informed that the kittens and puppies are due for arrival tomorrow!  Ho-Ho-Ho!  This is one of my favorite jobs - caring for them and playing with them!  'Ol Santa really looks forward to that!

Well, 'Ol Santa's got to close for now, and head out to Christmas Town.  After the pet store, I'll head to the XmasMart and pick up a few things we're running out of too.

Have a GREAT day, everyone!

Happiest of Holidays,
Santa Claus

Mood: I'm okay ... that's about it for now. A bit tired actually.
Listening to: Quiet - no music! It's Sunday, the Elves are sleeping in!

Hello Everyone,

The Mrs. and 'Ol Santa are the only ones up right now.  It's Sunday morning, and that's the one day the Elves can sleep in.  Bless their little hearts.  They so deserve it.  After Christmas they can resume sleeping in on Saturdays too.

It's so quiet.  No music playing and no hammering and chattering.  It's a rare moment here at the Pole.

Swew what a hard day 'Ol Santa pulled yesterday in the Wrapping Department.  I'm still a bit tired this morning after that.  Those Elves work hard.  I stayed in there with them until closing time, and then helped them clean up.  That took a while too.  The main thing is standing on your feet constantly, and talk about lists, (um ... one of my specialities), the Elves have to maintain them as well to know what has been wrapped, what needs to be wrapped and to whom the present goes.  'Ol Santa's feet were suffering last night.

I then watched a Christmas movie and worked on my lists during commercials, and then I stayed up to 12:00 am to work on my list after the movie went off at 10:00 pm.  I am up to the H's.  That's my agenda today to work on the list.  Oh, and  I have a few more online orders to make.  I can't forget that.  Not to worry.  Dataelf won't let 'Ol Santa forget!

The temperature has warmed up.  We were up to 25 degrees this morning, when 'Ol Santa fed the reindeer.  The high today I think is supposed to be 38 degrees.  No snow though, just sunshine for the next few days.

Dataelf reported to me yesterday that the puppies and kittens are due this week!  Ho-Ho-Ho!  'Ol Santa can't wait!

Well, 'Ol Santa is going to close for now, and get started back on the list!

Have a nice and restful day, everyone!

Happiest of Holidays,
Santa Claus

Mood: Very Merry!
Listening to: Silver Bells by the Chipmunks - they're so cute!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

'Ol Santa is in jolly good spirits this morning.  Last year he searched all kinds of stores for the chasing lights like we had for the Grand Tree to use on my personal tree in my den.  And I was told by all vendors that they weren't made anymore.

So, sadly he went shopping at the XmasMart yesterday and picked up a box of ordinary lights for the Grand Tree.  Then I danced in place right there in the store!  The ordinary lights were chasing lights with 16 different speeds!  Our old ones only had five.  I couldn't wait to get home and show Mrs. Claus.

She was so excited.  Seeing her happy made 'Ol Santa so jolly!  Ho-Ho-Ho!  It was like an early Christmas gift to us.  I had to thank God for it!

Last night was so cozy.  I sat with Mrs. Claus and some of the elves in my den with a lit fire in the fireplace the tree lights on, and colored in Christmas coloring books, and then we watched a movie titled Santa Who?  That was a cute movie.  Then I worked on my list before retiring to bed.   I've been pulling triple time on it, and I'm up to the G's, but I'm still behind.

The Wrapping Department has gotten behind.  So,
'Ol Santa is going to help them out today, as he takes a slower pace for himself on the weekends.  So, my agenda today is to help them out and work on my list!

The temperature has dropped even more!  It was 10 degrees this morning!  Brr ...

Well, 'Ol Santa is going to hop off of here, and join the Elves in Wrapping.

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

Happiest of Holidays,
Santa Claus

Mood: Excited but sad too ... You'll see why.
Listening to: I'll be home for Christmas! Yep, sleeping good that morning! Ho-Ho-Ho!

Hello Everyone!

Boy what a crazy couple of days it's been in the electric department.  I didn't blog with you yesterday because the Elves blew a fuse!  Well with the hundreds of fuse boxes we have here in the castle they reported to me they didn't find the right fuse until about an hour after 'Ol Santa had left for his shopping and mall scenes.

Then this morning Mrs. Claus' most favorite Christmas lights didn't come on when we plugged them up on the Grand Tree.  We've had these lights for many years.  They are chasing lights, but they have five different patterns from fast to slow.  They are beautiful.  Well, they've been repaired several years already.  But today, the wires have just worn out right at the box that is sealed shut.   They are beyond repair - this greatly saddens us all, but it especially saddens Mrs. Claus.

They are trademarked lights, and they don't make them anymore, and we can't make them, as they are trademarked.  'Ol Santa is heading to the XmasMart for some grocery shopping today, and he'll have to pick up some ordinary lights.  Now, we're wondering, if we can remove the other lights, and put on the new ones without having to undecorate the tree.  This is a HUGE tree with TONS of decorations.  We're talking about a massive job if we have to undecorate and re-decorate.  Cross your fingers for us that we won't have to do that!

When 'Ol Santa went shopping yesterday, he found an Antique store.  It was a huge store.  It was so large, 'Ol Santa only got through half of the store.  It was exciting, as I perused things and saw toys I've given to children MANY a year ago!  And they had it all decorated for Christmas, with many Christmas ornaments for sale all through it.  That was neat too, as they had many old decorations, that we have and still use here at the Pole!

Dataelf reported to me that Sarah has posted 'Ol Santa's interview!  Ho-Ho-Ho 'Ol Santa is excited.  After he does his blog, he's going over there to check it out.  You can view it here:  http://unmentionables.blogspot.com/2006/12/interview-of-lifetime.html

We'll post it on the sidebar too, for future reference for anyone that wants to view the interview!  Once again, Sarah, thank you for the opportunity!!

Well, 'Ol Santa has to close now.  He has inventory to do for all the things he bought yesterday, and then he has to finish the grocery list, and head to the XmasMart - which reminds me, he has to add Christmas lights to the list now.  Oh, how sad.

Happiest of Holidays,
Santa Claus

Mood: Merry good!
Listening to: Santa Claus is Coming to Town - that song is true you know! In fact I'm coming to town tomorrow to do some shopping!

Ho-Ho-Ho!  Greetings Everyone!

Hope you all are having a grand morning.  'Ol Santa feels much better this morning, as his alarm clock worked, and he got up in time!

Brr ... is it ever cold this morning.  The temperature dropped down to 10 degrees!  We got a frost on top of the snow.  Now, I know you mindful ones out there are wondering, how can 'Ol Santa see frost on snow.  Ho-Ho-Ho!  I could claim it's 'Ol Santa's magic, but I'll confess the truth.  One of our reindeer - Dancer has always like to stay outside and not go in the barn in bad weather.  Dancer had frost on her back this morning!  She didn't go in the barn with the rest of the reindeer.  Each of them can go in the barn or in the pasture at their choosing.  They each have their own stall.  Dancer has always been that way.  Silly reindeer.

I did finish the B's on the list and have moved on to the C's.  That's finally getting back underway.  I do have a ton of letters and email to handle now, as I was letting that slip on the back burner a little bit to get back on top of the list.  So, I'll be doing that today as well as working double time on the list to get myself back on schedule.

We're starting to see a lot of the SDPS (Sleigh Delivered Parcel Services) man again!  He did deliver my pet goodies on Monday, and yesterday my order came in that I've been waiting on for three weeks now!  That's a relief!  The Elves can now get started on those toy productions from those materials.  I did an order too yesterday on some trademark gifts, and have to do another one today, as Dataelf reported that I had failed to do it, when I thought I had done it last week!  Oh my - that's putting me behind as well.  I don't know how I overlooked that.

Tomorrow, I'm coming back to your towns to do some shopping in the stores and malls, and while 'Ol Santa is out and about in the malls, he'll slip in and let the children sit on his lap.  So, you just never know, when you're sitting in the real Santa's lap and not a mall Santa's!  I just love sitting with the children.  Ho-Ho-Ho!

'Ol Santa was brushing his teeth this morning with his kitten on his back!  She just climbed all the way up my pants' leg, all the way up to his shoulders!  She's so cute.

Now, the cats have been getting into the Grand Tree.  This is making Mrs. Claus and the Elves very nervous after last year's Grand Tree fiasco.  But fortunately, they're just getting in the bottom branches.  But granted it's like watching toddlers - every few minutes we're having to keep watch of the tree to make sure they're not knocking off any ornaments, or climbing any higher than the bottom branches.

'Ol Santa is excited.  He's working on an interview for Sarah's blog.  I've got to finish that today, and send it to her.  As ... CATS!  Get out of that tree!   Um ... sorry!  I typed as I hollered.  Now, they're getting into my tree in  my den!  Anyways, what was 'Ol Santa saying?  Oh, yeah!  That's right.  As soon as she posts her blog with my interview I'll post you the link.  She's doing a daily holiday posting, so you may want to follow her posts.

Okay, we'll it's time for 'Ol Santa to get on his mail and email. 

'Ol Santa wishes everyone a MERRYVELOUS day!

Happiest of Holidays,
Santa Claus

Mood: Frazzled!
Listening to: Carol of the Bells - I love that song!

Hello Everyone,

Well 'Ol Santa has had a hectic morning.  I overslept!  Yep, 'Ol Santa knows what he's asking for Christmas this year - a new alarm clock.  I have one of those clocks that you don't have to set the time.  I've had it for a quite a few years now.  But it started running 2 minutes ahead of time early this year, which I didn't mind, that helps me be on time.  Now, it's running 4 minutes ahead.  When you hit the snooze button, it goes off every 9 minutes now, instead of 10.  One weekend it went off every 18 minutes - thank God it was the weekend, as I have more of a relaxed schedule for the weekends.

The clock has two alarms too - you can set one for one person, and set a different time for another one.  Well, Mrs. Claus gets up earlier than I do to tend to the kitchen and indoor animals, as I tend to the outdoor animals.  Well the clock went off for her, and I heard it, with no problem.  It didn't go off for me at all!  Mrs. Claus came in at 6:58 am and got me up.  I'm supposed to get up at 6:30 am.  She realized she hadn't heard me up and about.

That gave me two minutes to throw on tons of clothes, under (gotta wear long underwear up here)and over and coat, hat, gloves and boots and meet the young elves waiting in the sleigh for me to take them to  meet the school sleigh.  The young elves attend school at the Elf Academy in Christmas Town.  I like to drive the younger elves to spend time with them and bond with them.

Anyway, two minutes wasn't quite enough, so 'Ol Santa had to use his *magic* with time, (this is what he uses on Christmas Eve) to give me a couple of extra minutes, so we wouldn't miss the school sleigh.  Thankfully, we got there just in time!  Swew!

Now, I'm so sleepy for jumping out of bed so fast.  I've always been one that needs to slowly wake up.  'Ol Santa likes to hit the snooze button at least twice to slowly start waking up.

When Mrs. Claus got up it was still dark outside.  I happened to look out the window, and could have sworn a light was on outside.  I knew it was the moon, and I had to take a peek.  What a beautiful sight.  The moon, shining in the snow.  I could even see the reindeer in the pasture - it was that bright.  I had to drink it all in before getting back in my sleigh bed and catching the rest of my morning z's.

'Ol Santa went to fifty children's hospitals yesterday.  Man is your traffic bad this time of year.  Made me yearn for my sleigh and snow instead of roads with stop lights.  Anyway, these visits are always very spiritual for 'Ol Santa.

I can't begin to go in any details with you of the children, for I'll be blubbering all day, and so would you.  'Ol Santa did enough crying all the way home yesterday evening.  All I can say is these families are blessed with very special loved ones, for a small time - but their lives are better for it.  These children touch the depth of your soul.  Um ... excuse me again, while I get my handkerchief.

Okay, I'll try to resume my composure here.  Well, 'Ol Santa did all that he could.  I gave out gifts that the elves had made, and then gave out hugs packed with so much love it broke his own heart with joy, when those kids smiled up at him.  Um ... gotta use that handkerchief again.  Pardon me.

Several of the children comforted 'Ol Santa when they saw the tears in his eyes.  One of them specifically said, "Santa, don't cry.  I'm going home to where there is no pain."  'Ol Santa knows that child is right, it's just hard for us to see them go.

Well, I'm still working on my list - still on those tangled Christmas lights B's.  Taking this weekend off from checking my list, really cost me.  Hopefully, I'll finish them today.  I should get a little extra time, as we're not doing reindeer flight practices today.  It's just too cold.  Brr ... is it cold!  It was only 15 degrees when I walked the dog, and went to feed the reindeer this morning!

Dataelf just reported to me some bad news.  Our budget that was low, has just sunk to very very low.  That's okay.  'Ol Santa knows to look fear right in the eye and believe it away by believing we'll not only have enough, we'll have more than enough.  That's a magic not only 'Ol Santa has, but each of you have too - the power in belief.  What you believe, creates your reality.  So, believe in  your dreams and desires and create the reality you desire.

Okay, time for 'Ol Santa to get to work!  You all have a WONDER-FILLED day!

Hugs of love!

Happiest of Holidays,
Santa Claus

Mood: Happy but tired ...
Listening to: Angels We Have Heard on High - la, da, da, - oh - sorry, was singing along!

Hello Everyone!

Today, 'Ol Santa has to admit, he's a sleepy Santa.  That would be special thanks to the Elves' party.  But did we have a good time.  We ended up playing Uno and Phase 10 and did Karoke to Christmas carols, Ho-Ho-Ho that was a blast!  And we ate a lot, and stayed up way late!  Hence, my sleepiness.  It'll take 'Ol Santa a couple of days to catch that back up, if he gets the time.

But I did get behind on my list, as I didn't tend to it with all the fun and commotion.  So, I've got to get back on that today double time.

The temperature has dropped.  We're down to 25 degrees but it's even supposed to go lower than that tonight - down to 15 degrees!  So, 'Ol Santa helped the Elves put down extra cedar shavings for the reindeer bedding.  And boy did they stay in the barn last night.  Cleaning the stalls took a bit longer this morning. 

'Ol Santa could barely move to walk the dog, wearing three pairs of pants, four shirts, and my coat and hat.  It kind of makes me feel like a bulky snowman!  Ho-Ho-Ho!

'Ol Santa has the cutest thing to share with you about his kitten.  Yesterday morning, I slept in - quite understandable after staying up to 2:00 am.  Anyway, I had set my clock for 9:00 am, and hit the snooze button a couple of times.  When I awoke the kitten was layed flat out on her back on the pillow tucked under my chin.  Then she curled forward and layed her forhead right up against 'Ol Santa's nose.  Ho-Ho-Ho - it was so adorable.  I was literally breathing the kitten.  Precious - so very precious!

Time is crunching in  getting materials in that we ordered.  We did one of our orders three weeks ago, and we still haven't got it!  We're sweating a bit on that, as we need those materials to get going on toy production.  I did get notification on another order I made last week, that has been sent and is due to today or tomorrow.  That order was for pet goodies, some personal and some for children who have pets.

And speaking of pets.  The kittens and puppies I think Dataelf told me are due sometime next week.  They do cost us more work, but boy are they fun to play with and love on while we feed them and clean up after them.  I just hope we can avoid the Grand Tree fiasco we suffered last year on their arrival.  You'll have to read December 2005's blog to see what that was all about.

Ho-Ho-Ho, my kitten just climbed up on my computer desk and stole a tissue.  Now, she's in the floor shredding it.  What is it with paper and cats?  They just love it!

Well, I'm going out today to visit children in hospitals today.  I invite you to pause and give thought to them and/or a little prayer.  'Tis a sad thing to be in the hospital.  Many of them are facing terminal cancer.  Their spirits are so strong and wise beyond their years of age, but it really tears up their families.  And it tears up 'Ol Santa's heart just considering the pain they are experiencing in their bodies, and then facing death in the eye at such tender young ages.  Um ... pardon me, while I get my handkerchief.

Okay, I'm back.  Sorry about that.  Again, just send loving thoughts and/or prayers their way - every loving thought and prayer helps to mend sad hearts.

Okay, busy day sheduled today!  Gotta run!

Hugs of love, and I'll blog with you tomorrow!

Happiest of Holidays,
Santa Claus

Mood: Excited, but Tired and Overwhelmed.
Listening to: Our brand new Christmas CD!!! The elves and 'Ol Santa are quiet excited about it!

Swew!  'Ol Santa is running late this morning.  I had to help Dataelf re-do inventory after all my purchases at XmasMart yesterday.  Sadly, they did not have all the things I needed.  We've got to do some more ordering now.    That's putting me a little bit more behind than I expected.

I've got to help the Wrapping Department today.  They're behind now because of the Elves' party.  We're going to hand out presents to all our guests.  So, we've got to get them all wrapped.  And then next week is the Elf Ball!  Very tiring time of year ... sigh.    These Elves sure do like to party.  But they work SO hard.  How could 'Ol Santa deny them a little fun?

Then Mrs. Claus is getting on us all to help clean to get ready for our guests.  It is easier for her if we all do our share, especially since she'll be doing some extra baking today for the party.  All of our plates are extra loaded today.  Hope I have the energy to do it all.

On to some good news!  'Ol Santa was able to get a new Christmas CD at the XmasMart yesterday!  And it sounds GREAT!  I highly recommend it.  It's title is Christmas Extravaganza.  I still want to get some more for the Elves' Christmas present.

Went to the Christmas $1 Tree store yesterday.  That's a neat store.  Everything's just a dollar.  I loaded up on more wrapping paper, tissue paper, labels and stocking stuffers, and coloring books!  'Ol Santa has to be careful in that store - I get so carried away that those items are just $1, it can pile up very fast, and I can exceed my budget.

It got warm here again.  This weather is very confusing.  We actually have a little of our snow melting.  That's another chore added to my list - more reindeer practices today.  'Ol Santa has seen the weather do this before.  This is the calm before the storm.  I think we have some really cold weather mixed with snow sneeking up on us.  So, we've got to get these reindeer practices in while we can.

Oh my, Nemet just brought me a pile of mail, that I have to tend to, and I haven't done my emails this morning neither.  My schedule is all off today.  And I've still got to help the Elves with the toys ... oh, how will I get it all done?  Not to worry.  'Ol Santa will figure out a way.  But it sure is any wonder, I drink so much cocoa - that chocolate keeps me going!  Ho-Ho-Ho!

Have a GREAT weekend, everyone!  I'm not sure I'll get to blog with the party and all tomorrow.  I'll try to blog with you Sunday, if I can.

Happiest of Holidays,
Santa Claus