Even at the peak of the season with a busy schedule, Santa Claus was kind enough to grant an exclusive interview to the Blanco County News for our readers. We caught a direct flight to the North Pole for an interview this important. As the plane approached, we could see the North Pole and Santa’s Castle glistening in the snow.
Upon arrival, an elf named Fred took us on a brief tour of the North Pole facility. The reindeer were performing test flights over the airfield. They certainly seemed to be ready. Some of them appeared to be showing off a little as I don’t believe Santa takes turns as fast as what they were practicing for.
A group of elves were preparing the sleigh for the legendary Christmas Eve Flight. Some of the elves were busy making sure the tracking device that the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) uses to follow Santa’s travels was secured in the sleigh and functioning properly. So, remember to look up their website on Christmas Eve to follow where Santa is at their official site - noradsanta.org. This website does use cookies, probably chocolate chip (they are Santa’s favorite). Many thanks to the good people at NORAD who besides keeping all of us safe also have provided this service for our holiday enjoyment for the past 64 years.
The workshops were buzzing with activity as the elves were busy making Christmas presents. Interestingly, there were leprechauns happily working alongside the elves. Apparently, Santa is an equal opportunity employer.
Back in the hallway, elves of different types were dashing back and forth on errands. In the middle of it all, there was Mrs. Claus with a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies making her way through the hall. She spotted us and flashed the smile that won Santa’s heart all those years ago. Fred introduced us to Mrs. Claus as we approached her.
“Have a cookie. They’re fresh from the oven,” she offered. “I was just on my way to see Santa.”
We joined Mrs. Claus and followed her down the hall to an office. She opened the door. Santa was intently studying a list of children’s names. Without looking up, he spoke to Mrs. Claus. “Most of the children have been so good this year, but a few have had couple of slip-ups.”
Mrs. Claus handed the plate of cookies to Fred as she walked over to Santa. She looked over his shoulder at the list of names. “Perhaps, bonus points for good deeds,” she said as she placed one hand on his back.
“Brilliant! Great idea!” As Santa turned to face us, Mrs. Claus announced our arrival.
Face to face with Santa. Here was the Jolly Old Elf himself. The red suit, the glasses, the cherubic grin, the twinkle in his eyes: Everything you expected but not ready for. Were we dreaming?
“How is the weather in Blanco? We have been planning our flight path because there are a lot of children to make deliveries to in Blanco,” he said with a smile. “My partner here,” he motioned to Mrs. Claus “has figured out a way to make it a few more.”
Santa wants to give everyone a gift. So, he explained how the children who could have been a little better can get bonus points. Good deeds. Helping Dad with the yardwork. Helping Mom with the cleaning. Helping your brothers and sisters. Taking care of the animals. Any and all good deeds.
“This calls for a celebration. A round of cookies and milk for everyone.” No sooner had Santa uttered these words than Fred acquired a pitcher of milk and began serving glasses of milk.
We all sat together at a table in the middle of the room with our milk and cookies. As we dined on our goodies, Santa discussed preparations for Christmas.
Up at the North Pole, they don’t have regular mail service. Santa asked that if the children of Blanco would send their Santa letters to their teachers, arrangements would be made for a special pick-up of the letters. He explained it would be a big help to him and it would ensure that the letters will reach him.
We could probably all use a few bonus points. Let’s all do Santa a favor and give the letters for Santa to the teachers.
