Tuesday, November 30, 2010

New Snow!

Ho Ho Ho!

Hello my special friend!  I woke up early this morning to find a new blanket of snow covering us here at the North Pole - Oh how I love fresh snow!

The new snow reminds me of an artist's canvas - the canvas is ready for the art work to begin!  Our little elf artists began right away today by firing up their shovels, plows and snowblowers, then they carved fresh lines in the snow that revealed the underlying sidewalks, driveways, and roads!

It is so beautiful when we are blessed with snow - when it melts in the spring time, we will have moisture without rain.  That moisture will help us when we plant our crops and gardens, but for now, the snow provides absolute beauty for each of us!

Goodbye for now -

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Monday, November 29, 2010

Monkey Tails

Ho Ho Ho!

Last time we had a little chat, I was being called away to the Toy Shop. I learned that one of our most important conveyor belts had stopped and none of the new toys could move along to the shipping area - quite intense!

As soon as I arrived at the Toy Shop the elves informed me that the issue had been diagnosed and fixed!  It turns out that one of the safety switches for the conveyor belt was turned off by accident when a brand new stuffed toy monkey got his tail caught on the safety switch!  That's right, the stuffed monkey was traveling along the conveyor belt with his little twisted tail hanging over the edge of the belt - when the monkey tail passed the safety switch, it moved the switch to safe mode and shut down the entire shipping line.

Our traveling monkeys now have their tails located in a much better spot on the conveyor system so that we don't have any other little monkey tail incidents!  I guess it's all kind of humorous when you think about it!  

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Saturday, November 27, 2010

More Letters From Malcolm The Mailman

Ho Ho Ho!

Good day to you!  I just had a knock at the door from Malcolm the mailman - he had twelve big bags of letters to deliver to me today!  I am so grateful to Malcolm - he is always so pleasant and so helpful.

You know, after I get these letters over to my desk and read each of them, I think I may share with you some of the questions I receive from folks all around the world - would you like that?  Would you like to hear some of my responses?  We'll see how it goes, but I am being called away right now to the Toy Shop - I need to run . . .


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Friday, November 26, 2010

Less Than 30 Days Now!

Ho Ho Ho!

It was sure special to enjoy the company of so many family members and friends yesterday!  We were discussing just how fast Christmas Eve seems to be approaching - Isn't it extremely exciting for you?  It certainly is for me!

The elves in the Toy Shop are working very quickly now to get all the toys made in time for Christmas and the reindeer are getting in tip-top shape for our worldwide flight!  After a very peaceful Thanksgiving holiday yesterday at the North Pole, the pace has hastened today and everything is in high production mode!

How about you - are you preparing for Christmas yet?  Some folks are probably just getting started; a few are nearly done with their preparations, and then some others, well - they don't have a clue just yet as to what they are going to do!  I hope you are at least making your lists and checking them twice - that's what I do!

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Ho Ho Ho!

Well it is early here at the North Pole and it is the day that we show our gratitude and give thanks to God for blessing us with so much in our lives!

Mrs. Claus has already started preparations in the kitchen this morning, and while I work here at my desk, I can smell the sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and some pies as well!  We usually see quite a few friends and of course have the elves over for our feast of thanksgiving - we are so grateful for so many things!

Later on, we will have our Thanksgiving Day meal and help with the cleanup - that is a treat by itself, helping each other with the chores!  When we are done with that, Mrs. Claus and I will turn off the lamps and sit together in front of our well-lit Christmas tree.  We take turns pointing out each specific light on the tree and we tell each other why we are thankful for some special blessing that each light represents.  All in all, we always have plenty of lights on the tree and plenty of things that we are so thankful for - it is a fun and much anticipated tradition.

Have you done something like this or have another tradition that you would like to share with me?  Feel free to respond - I'd love to learn from you . . .


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Lockhart The Locksmith

Ho Ho Ho!

I want to tell you about one of the most skillful elves we have here at the North Pole, Lockhart the locksmith!  Lockhart is someone that helps me in such an enormous way that you need to hear his story.

Every year, I receive letters from children that live in homes with no chimney - they are very concerned that Santa will not be able to visit them as a result.  This is where Lockhart has become so valuable to you and me.

Lockhart has a very special responsibility to use his skills in crafting a one-of-a-kind Santa Key that assures each of you around the world that I can visit your home on Christmas Eve.  Lockhart has designed this magical key to work everywhere I need it!  Isn't Lockhart a talented little elf?  I wear the magic Santa Key on my big belt every Christmas Eve so I don't forget it back at the North Pole - thank you so very much, Lockhart!  You are the best!


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

An Evening Test Flight Near You . . .

Ho Ho Ho!

It sure is brisk outside over much of the North American continent!

I had the pleasure of taking the reindeer on another test flight last night, covering all of Canada and the United States!  We dashed down from the North Pole and quickly covered Canada from the Yukon Territory and British Columbia across the Nunavut Territories then down to Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.

We soon found ourselves heading south along the U.S. East Coast until we flew over the warmth of Florida and then we headed northwest and then west until we had flown over nearly every state and province on the map!  We even found a very nice field in Nebraska for Donner, Blitzen, and the other reindeer to stop for a snack!  It was fun to fly with them all - they are so familiar with the area that I hardly needed to steer them the entire evening.

We are planning our Christmas Eve flight with you in mind - are you looking forward to our visit as well?  


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Monday, November 22, 2010

Thanksgiving Is Coming Soon

Ho Ho Ho!

It is certain that Thanksgiving Day will be here in just a few days in the United States! If you live in Canada you know Thanksgiving Day was celebrated last month. Just think about that word, Thanksgiving - It means that we are giving thanks to God for all that we have and enjoy!

The Pilgrim settlers gave thanks nearly 400 years ago with a large harvest feast. The tradition of a day of Thanksgiving has continued through the years and many families go to great lengths and make many sacrifices to observe this special day.

What are some traditions that your family holds dear for Thanksgiving Day? Do you sometimes travel to other destinations to be with family and friends? Some families serve others in various settings. Many families have traditional meals of turkey with other side dishes - what are some of your favorite meal ideas?

It seems like quite a few pies are consumed on Thanksgiving Day - what is your favorite pie? Santa has only two favorites: cold AND warm!


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Emelia The Elf Wants To Be Nicer

Ho Ho Ho!

We had so much fun last night at our Friday family night and we accomplished so much as well . . .

One of the elves, Emelia, started a very thoughtful conversation by stating that she would like to improve herself and become a nicer elf! She says she will try to hold her temper, even when life throws obstacles her way. She also will try to put herself in someone else's shoes from now on and show more empathy towards others. Emelia is also firm in her conviction of putting the needs of her friends and family members ahead of her own needs in most instances.

Some call this attitude "selflessness". We know Emelia is an awesome elf already, yet she is a great example to all of us as she chooses to become a little better all of the time.

Good luck, Emelia! We will do all we can for you to enjoy great success with your new goals . . .

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Friday, November 19, 2010

Family Night at the North Pole

Ho Ho Ho!

It is Friday again already and it seems that here at the North Pole, time flies faster than a reindeer-powered sleigh on Christmas Eve!

We are getting everyone together tonight to go over our Christmas card list and to prepare our family message that we wish to share with everyone this year!

We have so many friends and so many reasons to be thankful for everything we enjoy - we will have quite a time discussing all of it and trying to put into words all the emotions that genuine friendships brings to us and how those friendships impact our daily lives. We wish nothing but the very, very best for all of our friends and their families, too!

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Malcolm The Mailman

Ho Ho Ho!

We are so grateful here at the North Pole for our friend Malcolm the mailman. Malcolm has been bringing letters from children, young and old, from all over the world, to Santa and the elves! With all of the cold weather and sometimes very deep snow, it is often very hard work for Malcolm.

Some of the mail that Malcolm delivers to us has wish lists from good boys and girls just like you! All of the letters are fun to read - most of them include requests for toys or games. Many of the letters are written in behalf of others - for parents, teachers, grandparents, sisters, brothers, cousins, friends, and other family members.

What would you include in your letter to Santa? Do you know of someone else that you might mention when writing a letter to Santa? Do you know of anyone else that might remember you in their letter sent to Santa? It feels good to know you have friends and family that include you in their thoughts and it feels really, really good to include them in your thoughts and actions, wouldn't you agree? Make it a fantastic day - you are awesome, you really are!

Oh, "Thanks Malcolm"!

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Another Nice List Tip For You

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa spoke about smiles yesterday and how smiles can benefit the most important muscle in your body - the heart. I would like to add another Nice List tip that involves the heart - Gratitude!

My special friend, walk with a heart full of gratitude. Be thankful for all that you have been given and for all the opportunities that you have available to you. Express your gratitude for those who care so much for you and provide so much to you and those that take an interest in your efforts and your successes! Let those people know you are grateful TO them and FOR them - just say "thank you" to each and every person that assists you along the way.

Be sure to say "thank you" to your family, friends, teachers, and even some strangers . . . but be especially sure to thank our Creator the next time the two of you chat!

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

"Nice List" Tuesday Tip

Ho Ho Ho!

Here it is, Tuesday, and Santa wants to share with you a helpful tip for getting on the Nice List this year and every year to come!

Did you know my favorite exercise is SMILING? Do you know that everyone in the whole, wide world smiles in the same language? That is so, so true! If you smile at someone, they will usually smile back at you - In fact, you can never give away a smile permanently because somehow, somewhere, somebody will give a smile back to you! Almost all smiles are started by another smile. Every time you smile at someone, you are sharing a gift with that person, a very beautiful gift that transcends all cultures and languages.

Always have a smile, my friend, - and remember the good it can bring to the most important muscle in your entire body - your heart!

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Monday, November 15, 2010

Only 40 Days Until Christmas

Ho Ho Ho!

Well, well, well!  Santa has been looking at the Christmas calendar and discovered there are only 40 days until Christmas Day!  I can hardly wait to visit the millions of homes that celebrate the Christmas season.  I think our visit will be very worthwhile to you even if it is very, very short.

Our primary goal is to visit each and every person that is on Santa's nice list and to try not to miss anyone at all!  Sometimes we are quick to unload the gifts and do so very quietly, but you know, once in a while we make such a clatter that we wake people from their sleep and they run to the window to see what's the matter.

I hope we don't wake you from your dreamy sleep when we visit your home.  

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Morning Chores

Ho Ho Ho!

Hello friend!

We are getting our chores done early this morning so we can have some free time a little later today.  We started the day at the Reindeer Barn and cleaned the old straw out of the barn and replaced it with some fresh, golden- yellow straw.  All of the animals prefer to have fresh straw in the barn as it helps them to stay warm, snuggly warm, and also makes them more comfortable as they sleep.

After we finished there, we went to the Toy Shop to help the elves get some of the new toys put into packages and ready for good boys and girls around the world.  There are many, many amazingly wonderful toys that the elves work so hard to get ready - can you even imagine a toy factory that is so huge, you can't see the top or the ends of it!  Our Toy Shop here at the North Pole is just like that - huge!  Just huge!

What a wonderful time of year it is . . .


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Friday, November 12, 2010

Another Friday Family Night

Ho Ho Ho!

Here it is Friday again already!  We are planning our family night for this evening and Mrs. Claus is making one of our family favorites - warm apple dumplings!  Each of those delicious apples are sprinkled with just a bit of cinnamon and sugar and wrapped in a little pie-like crust, then baked until the aroma permeates Santa's cranium!

After they are baked in the oven and cooled for a little while, Mrs. Claus will serve these warm, fresh treats with some milk in a little bowl - just perfect for a great evening of family fun!

Do you have a favorite holiday treat?  Maybe you could share a recipe with Mrs. Claus or share with us what it is and why you like it so much - we can hardly wait for your response!


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Thursday, November 11, 2010

The Service of Others

Ho Ho Ho!

Happy day to you, my friend!  Santa was just thinking of how many people there are in this world that are of service to others.  I am talking about those that we call on when we need a policeman, a fireman, a doctor or a nurse, those that serve to protect our freedoms, and those that serve as our instructors and teachers.

Many of the people mentioned above have even served until they have given their all, the ultimate sacrifice of their own life, for the sole benefit of their fellow citizens. We owe those folks a bit of gratitude for all that they have done and continue to do for us.

Go out of your way to thank someone that serves others as part of their duty.  Let them know that Santa says the world is a better place as a result of their service - it will make them feel warm and fuzzy - and you will feel good inside, too!  Let me know how it goes . . .


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Wonderful Wednesday

Ho Ho Ho!

A wonderful Wednesday to you!  Today is wonderful because there is so much to look forward to from now until Christmas Day!  Here at the North Pole, we are getting many, many things ready for Christmas - we have our friends to think about with Christmas cards and decorations to plan for around the house as well as a festive tree to put up and all of the colorful special Christmas stockings, too!

I know I will see all of your special preparations on Christmas Eve; Santa would like for you to share with others some of the preparations that you make for the beautiful season we call Christmas.  Don't be shy now . . .


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Traditional Signs of the Christmas Season

Ho Ho Ho!

Good day to you.  I wanted to visit with you for just a moment to talk about some of the traditional signs of the Christmas season.  In many areas of the world, the onset of cooler and cold weather are sure signs of the season.  In other areas, the warm weather indicates that Christmas is just about to arrive.

Some of my favorite Christmas signals are festive trees, bright and twinkly lights, shiny ornaments, more kindness is being shown to one another, fresh baked gingerbread men in the kitchen of Mrs. Claus, the Toy Shop has a huge inventory, and the reindeer are getting in shape and practicing their take-offs and landings!

I know you must have a number of traditional items that signal the Christmas season for you . . . Please share with Santa which traditional signs of the season helps you look forward to Christmas every year.  Thank you in advance for sharing!


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Monday, November 8, 2010

A Mighty Fine Monday

Ho Ho Ho!

A mighty fine Monday to you!

Did you know that most people think of Monday as the beginning of a new week? It's true! Some people have had big, fun weekends and they go back to work on Mondays. Others have different schedules and Mondays are another day of the week, but not always the first day.

Santa always has his weeks scheduled for better efficiency, so Mondays are very important for getting a good start on his many plans for the week ahead. Do you know the names for ALL of the days of the week? They always go in order so if you know their names, they will repeat the same way next week, the week after that, and it goes like that forever! Learning is fun, don't you agree?

Treasure the day,

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Raking Leaves

Ho Ho Ho!

It is time for chores up here at the North Pole!

Mother Nature has blessed us here with mountains of colorful leaves to enjoy through the fall. The trees are preparing for winter by shedding their leaves. When the snow begins to fall and gather on the trees, the weight of all those snow flakes is too much for the trees if the leaves are still on. After the trees drop their leaves, they can usually handle the weight of the snow.

We are spending our Saturday morning raking the leaves that have dropped from the trees. Their are tons and tons of colorful leaves that we rake each year. We see yellow leaves, red, orange and brown leaves, and sometimes we rake leaves that have many colors on them! It is fun to make a great big pile of leaves to play in before we are done with our work! Well, back to raking leaves for now.

Have a great day . . .

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Friday, November 5, 2010

Friday Night Fun

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa here just stopping to say "Hello"!

We are looking forward to this evening as our North Pole family gathers together for some fun and games. Sometimes we sing songs while we prepare dinner with Mrs. Claus in the kitchen. Sometimes we gather together and discuss our many activities and share with each other some of our favorite stories. Sometimes we make crafts and small gifts that we give away to others - that is so much fun for us! And sometimes we play games with one another and just enjoy our time together.

Do you have special plans for tonight or for tomorrow? Have fun and be safe in whatever you do!

With fun on the mind,

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Popcorn Popping

Ho Ho Ho!

Good Day To You!

Did you know that one of Santa's favorite treats is popcorn? That's right, popcorn! Nothing better on a crisp evening than a bowl of warm, fresh popcorn - and it's fun to make, too!

Mrs. Claus makes popcorn almost every week or two in her kitchen. She usually makes more than one batch of popcorn so we can share it with the elves and their families! Sometimes we roll it into balls and eat it that way. Have you ever eaten a popcorn ball? They are very, very tasty.

Until later,


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The Musical Sounds of Merry Elves . . .

Ho Ho Ho!

I wanted to check in with you today to see how you are! I hope all is well with you and yours. Be sure to bundle up as cold weather approaches - no need to catch a cold!

While I was in the toasty-warm Toy Shop the other day, I was astonished by the beautiful sounds as the elves all worked on toys and such. The beautiful noise wasn't coming from the toys, it was coming from the elves themselves - they were singing Christmas songs! The elves have established an All Elf Choir and they were practicing their sweet songs as they were working! I thought at first that they had some special Christmas songs playing on the radio, but as I looked all around the Toy Shop, I could see that every one of our elves had a huge smile on their face and that the music was theirs, not something on the radio . . .

There are some wonderful stories told through music - I hope you will listen for those special stories, especially in Christmas songs!

Ta Ta for now,

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Terrific Tuesday . . .

Ho Ho Ho!

Hello my very special friend!  It is such a beautiful Tuesday here at the North Pole - there was a nice layer of frost on the windows and when the sunlight first swept across the window panes, an amazing discovery was found!

The frost had made a beautiful picture on the glass of the windows - there were sweeping curves, and feather-like features as well as sparkles on the frosty landscape!  There were also great swirls that looked like a magical wind had blown across an imagined horizon.

After just a few minutes of admiring such a beautiful, natural masterpiece, the sun had warmed the glass just enough to cause all of that magic to disappear - the frost was replaced with clear sunshine for now. We look forward to other wonderful shows provided by Mother Nature as the winter months arrive.  Take care . . .


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Monday, November 1, 2010

Another Touch Of Autumn . . .

Ho Ho Ho!

After speaking last time about counting snowflakes, Mother Nature decided to warm things up a bit and give us another little touch of autumn.  The dusting of snow has all melted for now but I know things will get downright chilly in the next few weeks.

The elves have the Toy Shop all warmed up so they can put together toys and gifts right up until the very last minute before we leave on Christmas Eve!  Hey, that rhymed - 'before we leave on Christmas Eve'.

We are looking forward to a visit to your home in just about 54 days!  Only 54 days!  Wow . . . we will be checking our nice list during that time, so remember to use your best behavior and be helpful to others!


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com