Thursday, December 30, 2010

Happy 2011!

Ho Ho Ho!

I was just thinking that I would be amiss if I forgot to wish YOU a Happy 2011!

Have you made some resolutions or set some goals?  We are always looking for the best ideas to share with others, so go ahead, share your tips for 2011 with everyone that follows Santa here . . . And thank you for your support!


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Monday, December 27, 2010

Post Christmas Thank You

Ho Ho Ho!

Wow!  What a wonderful and safe flight we had this year.  No major problems around the entire world flight!

I want to thank so many of you for the yummy treats you left for me, the reindeer, the elves, and Mrs. Claus - Thank you SO, SO, SO MUCH!

We all hope you enjoy your gifts and we are so happy that we could once again make our flight around the world safely.  The reindeer were just spectacular and so quick - and thanks once again to all of the hard-working elves who are now taking some much deserved time off to spend with their loved ones.

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

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Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas To All

Ho Ho Ho!

Today's message is short and to the point because we are all so, so tired right now . . .

"Merry Christmas To All"  and to all a good day!

Ho Ho Ho!  z z  z z z z  z z z z   z z   z ...


Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve Has Arrived!

Ho Ho Ho!

Here it is - the big day is about to unfold!  The sleigh has been loaded, the reindeer are all so very excited, the elves are just finishing the little touches, and Mrs. Claus is providing us with another wonderful feast!

We begin our flight around the world with a prayer - we need all the help we can gather.  We always ask for a special Hand of safety to be with us during our travels and we are ever so grateful for that.  After the group prayer, one little elf will begin a solo of "Silent Night" after which everyone one of us with moistened eyes will join along.  All is calm at that moment; there is a heavenly peace!  It is remarkable to think that shepherds did quake at the sight and signs they beheld at the birth of the baby Jesus!

That little baby is the reason for the season.  Enough said . . .

We'll see you soon!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Thursday, December 23, 2010

The Ultimate Question

Ho Ho Ho!

We are certainly closing in on our departure time, aren't we?  I have been checking the weather maps around the world and I find that the number of predicted storms we need to deal with this year are a pretty typical amount and they pose no unusual threats to our magical flight around the world on Christmas Eve!

You know, every year I receive a number of letters asking if I am real. I think it is safe to say that Santa is as real as you believe him to be - if you choose NOT to believe, you are missing out on something that IS universally moving, and for that, I feel truly sad for you.  How do you deal with the concept of gravity? . . .

I can tell you I am real!  It's a fact.  I could not write to you like this if I wasn't real.  A good portion of the Christmas magic would be lost if I was not real.  There will always be those that doubt my very existence, but here I am - I promise.  We'll discover where your beliefs have sided in the next few days.


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Reindeer Request

Ho Ho Ho!

The Reindeer Barn is just filled with activity this close to Christmas Eve!  All of the reindeer are in good health and in good shape and ready to dedicate themselves to a safe flight around the world this week!

I have a special request from Prancer and Blitzen (they asked for me to put the word out for them, so I said I would be happy to assist them) - Rather than leaving them cookies this year, they asked for any snack that you may provide for them to be either carrots or reindeer chow.

They have been trying to eat a little better and feel like carrots and reindeer chow would help them keep their energy levels maximized for the long flight. I can't say that I blame them - they are always doing their best for me!  They are magnificent flying animals . . .  We really  appreciate your helpfulness with this special request!

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Santa's Big Gift Bag

Ho Ho Ho!

Well, here we are just hours away from our flight around the world!

The elves have brought out Santa's gift bags and are preparing to fill them with glorious Christmas gifts - maybe even one or two special gifts for you!  The gift bags are huge and very durable.  They need to be durable to fly around the Earth and to squeeze down chimneys, and to withstand the elements of nature.  They are stored each year between Christmas and New Year's Day after they have had a chance to be cleaned and dried out.

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Monday, December 20, 2010

Always Excitement

Ho Ho Ho!

I hope you had a glorious weekend and that you are pretty well finished with your Christmas shopping!

People ask me all the time "Santa, do you get nervous that something might go wrong on Christmas Eve?"  I usually reply "There is always something to get excited about on Christmas Eve, but no, I never get nervous!"  We have been doing this for so many years that when something out of the ordinary does occur, we are usually prepared to handle it quickly.  Why be nervous when we have prepared and successfully delivered for so many years?

I hope you are as excited about this week's visits as we all are!

The best in behavior results in the best of gifts.


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Saturday, December 18, 2010

One Week Away

Ho Ho Ho!

Christmas day is only one week away!  Are you as excited about that as we are here at the North Pole?

We took another practice flight the other evening down along the Pacific Coast into Mexico, then back up through the Southern and Midwest states, into Canada then back across the prairies and home to the North Pole.

Everything went well with the exception of the orange trimming along the way.  What orange trimming am I speaking of?  I will tell you - as we lowered our altitude and flew closer to the orange trimming, it turns out that many communities have trimmed the roads with orange barrels and orange-striped barricades due to construction projects that are ongoing!

I prefer to fly well above the multitude of orange trimming that we witnessed. I don't know how you folks deal with that day after day.  Seems to me that the orange trimming acted like a huge magnet for cars, trucks, and buses . . .

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

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Friday, December 17, 2010

The Fantastic Mrs. Claus

Ho Ho Ho!

"Merry Christmas!" - what a wonderful greeting that is!

I want to let Mrs. Claus know how much she adds to our lives here at the North Pole.  She works tirelessly and so unselfishly as she tends to the needs of everyone else, yet she does it all so pleasantly and without as much as a sharp word.

All this week she has been taking meals in to a great neighbor that hasn't been feeling very well and has spent some time making sure that our neighbor has been looked after and has been as comfortable as possible.  Mrs. Claus seems to always give of herself without reserve and she needs to realize that we all love her and we applaud her actions each and every day even though our thoughts are not usually verbalized as they should be.

Is there a 'Mrs. Claus' in your life that you thank and recognize?  Or are you the 'Mrs. Claus' in the lives of others that was discussed just now?  From the bottom of our sometimes silent hearts, know this, Mrs. Claus, wherever you may exist - We applaud your efforts, we benefit from your presence, and we will try to be better at helping out and showing our appreciation for you - but most of all, we love you and want you to know that!

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Thursday, December 16, 2010

North Pole Activity

Ho Ho Ho!

Great day my friend!  The North Pole is so full of activity right now - the reindeer are exercising and working together so that we can fly without a hitch all over the world next week.  The elves, of course, are still cranking out many beautiful gifts in the Toy Shop while others are wrapping and stacking the gifts for delivery.

I am checking my list and taking care of the mail.  Mrs. Claus has been doing a ton of cooking and baking for everyone here at the North Pole as well as assisting with one of our great neighbors who hasn't been feeling too well this week.  Malcolm the mailman has been diligent as always in taking care of all the North Pole mail.  This place seems to work like a well orchestrated machine, everyone accomplishing much every day!

I would like to know how things are with you - are you ready for Christmas next week?  Are you ready and waiting for Christmas to arrive or are you still thinking about what to do?  Either way, there isn't much time left!  


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Ten Days Until Christmas And Counting

Ho Ho Ho!

Can you believe we are only ten days away from Christmas already?

One thing I have no control over is the clock - and believe you me, if we didn't spend our time wisely, we would not be making our flight around the world each year!  I think of time as a gift and we can spend it any which way we want.  Sometimes we need to spend our time with others or spend time with our pets and our other animals or spend it doing good things - at other times we need to spend some time on ourselves so that we can make plans, gather our thoughts, or even just relax.

What do you think is your best use of time?  What is your favorite way to spend your time?  Feel free to share your thoughts - we may learn from your timely thoughts . . .  

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Just Thinking . . .

Ho Ho Ho!

I was just thinking - What makes Christmas special to you?

You know, over the years, things have evolved somewhat.  I can remember when folks were pretty content and very thankful for warmth, shelter, and food for their bodies.  Many new items have now been placed on the list that includes electronics, games, toys, and the like.  Fewer requests are being made these days for what I call the necessities of life.

We are very lucky to live at a time when we are so fortunate as a society.  Let me just say this - I have seen the times when the bounties of life were scarce. It would be wise for each of us to put a little away just in case . . .


Remember to enjoy your friends, family, and loved ones; they are your companions through all the years.  


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Monday, December 13, 2010

A Dozen Days Now

Ho Ho Ho!

As I look at my December Calendar, I can see we are only twelve days away from Christmas!  When I look at the Toy Shop, all I can see is millions of gifts, each one wrapped just perfectly for our exciting Christmas Eve flight around the world.  I can hardly wait for Christmas - How about you?

How are you doing with your gift wrapping this season?  Isn't it fun to keep a secret - to know what is inside the wrapping paper?  I sometimes giggle out loud when I know what's in there, but the person getting the gift doesn't know.  And the wrapping paper is just so festive!  One time I forgot what gift I wrapped up, then I had a brain cramp trying to remember - but when I finally did, I wrote out the gift tag right away so I wouldn't forget again.


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Malcolm The Mailman & Other Helpers

Ho Ho Ho!

Good day my friends!  I just answered a knock at the door from Malcolm the mailman - he arrived with nineteen and a half huge mail bags full of letters for me today!  Malcolm is always very polite and such a great helper - he will soon deliver all of our beautiful home made Christmas cards that we finished just last night.  

I really enjoy receiving mail from boys and girls around the world.  Many times I receive a list that informs me of a few gifts that would make someone very happy to find on Christmas morning.  Sometimes I hear from a mom or dad that are having a rough time - they most always ask for my help in taking care of the needs of their children.  Once in a while, I will receive a letter from a child that asks for gifts for others instead of themselves.


Realize this - Santa does his best to help everyone he possibly can, but I also need your assistance from time to time because if you look around your part of the world, you will notice people needing a little help during the Christmas season.  Go ahead, give them a smile or some of your time or be their friend. Make them a card or a few cookies, or an ornament.  


Thanks for being one of Santa's best helpers!

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Friday, December 10, 2010

Family Fun Night

Ho Ho Ho!

Happy Friday!  I am so excited for our family fun night later on today - we are going to send Christmas cards to all of our close family members, dear friends, and business associates!  Most of our cards are made at home.

Each year our list seems to grow a little bit, but it is always so wonderful to wish others our genuine and most sincere thoughts of the Christmas season.  Doesn't it just make you feel warm inside to truly wish for someone else to have a Merry Christmas or Joy in their world or that they may enjoy Heavenly Peace?

A good portion of the magic of Christmas is found in wishing for the best of circumstances and choicest of blessings to be with those that we care about - and that those folks are aware of our heartfelt desires in their behalf!

How about you - aren't there special people in your life that you could send Special Greetings to?

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa
BTW - Happiest of Birthdays to Jen!
EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Thoughtful Gift Idea

Ho Ho Ho!

Hello Friend!  I hope you enjoyed the past few days of questions and answers from our close followers - quite insightful, wouldn't you agree?

I have recently been giving some thought to a small gift that is very meaningful to others.  I have had requests to offer gift ideas that are affordable while remaining thoughtful.  I have an idea that is financially affordable, pleasantly thoughtful and very valuable to the recipient as well.

I would first say, more than anything, the time you spend with someone else is the most valuable gift you can provide!  We are all given the same 24 hours in a day - you could spend a portion of your time just being friends with someone that may benefit from your friendliness with them.  Look around you, the opportunities seem endless . . .

We all enjoy the time that other people invest in us, so if you choose to provide that genuine enjoyment as a gift to someone else, I can think of none better!  The sooner you spend the gift of time with someone looking for a good friend, the sooner that gift is enjoyed by both of you - that's right, it will be genuinely enjoyed by both of you!

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Questions For Santa! - Part V

Ho Ho Ho!

Thanks for all of the questions, children!


Where did you come up with the idea of giving coal to bad girls and boys? And do you still give it?

The idea of giving a lump of coal was not Santa’s idea. It was once given when most folks burned coal in their fireplaces to stay warm – it was meant to say “I would like to help you stay comfortable and warm.” In Scotland, it is still given between friends around New Year’s to represent ‘good luck’ in the coming new year to the recipients.

What’s his favorite cookie??

Santa’s favorite is the one you set out for him – he likes them all!

How does Santa get into our house without a Chimney? (From Jared in TN)

Santa has a few different ways to get in a home with no chimney, it’s not a problem for me! I will share 3 different ways to get in without a chimney and keep the other ways secret for now.
First – Some families prefer to have an adult wait up and let me in at a door, any door. They usually help me with the gifts when that happens.
2nd – I sometimes find a key has been left out so that I can take care of my responsibilities using the house key, when I am done, I put the key back.
3rd – I also have a key that will get me into ANY home on Christmas Eve. I keep it right on my big belt on Christmas Eve so I don’t forget it back at the North Pole!

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Questions For Santa! - Part IV

Ho Ho Ho!

And they write . . .


If a child is bad will he still give them presents?

Santa knows that everyone makes mistakes and everyone deserves a 2nd chance.  Extra love from others is the key.

Ethan wants to know why Santa doesn’t visit his Jewish friend Julian?

Santa respects the beliefs and wishes of all families.  Julian is considered to be a very good friend of Santa!

Why his beard don’t catch on fire when he comes down the chimney?

Santa usually does not come down fiery chimneys – it isn’t safe!

Does Santa prefer oatmeal or chocolate chip cookies???

Santa prefers chocolate chip cookies on even years and oatmeal cookies the other years – he likes them all!

Does he ever have to stop and take a bathroom break? How does he do it without getting caught?

Santa takes the breaks when needed – the nearest “Palace of Necessity” is usually close.  Not many folks can see the rooftops of taller buildings, you know . . . so we land there and use the stairs to the nearest available facilities inside that building.


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Monday, December 6, 2010

Questions For Santa! - Part III

Ho Ho Ho!

The constituents continue to write . . .


I want to know how he fits all the toys for all the kids in the world in that one bag?
When the bag is empty, Santa refills it!

How does he know what to bring to a little girl when she is born on Christmas day? (From Jacqueline in Colorado – born Christmas Day 2006)
What a special birthday and a very special gift you are to your family, Jacqueline!  Santa deals with Christmas requests and not very much with birthday requests, so if the gift is from Santa, it is a Christmas gift.  Sometimes you can tell by the wrapping paper if it is a birthday gift or a Christmas gift . . . Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas to you!

What is Mrs. Claus’ first name? (From: Suzanne in Colorado)
Mrs.


What’s the funniest thing he’s seen when coming down the chimney?
Eyeballs looking up, filling with chimney soot!


What are the strangest cookies he’s ever had?

Dandelion with seaweed cookies – needed LOTS of milk to get those down!


Does he own a bathing suit?

Yes, two! – They are both red with white trim . . .

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

Happy Birthday K-A-J!

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Saturday, December 4, 2010

More Questions For Santa!

Ho Ho Ho!



How does he get down chimneys?
Sometimes Santa still goes down the chimney boots first, but it depends on the gifts – sometimes other magic ways are devised!
How does he get around the whole world in one night?
That, my friend, is part of the magic of Christmas!  Some portion of the world is sleeping while you are awake!
Does he have kids?
All around the world, little one, all around the world!
Does he ever get tired of milk and cookies?
Santa loves to receive the wonderful gifts of milk & cookies (and carrots for the reindeer . . . )
Can he get me an iPad, lol?

The simple answer is: Yes, he can! lol


Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Friday, December 3, 2010

Questions For Santa!

Ho Ho Ho!

I promised to share with you some questions that children have recently asked me - here are just a few:

Gabrielle B. asks- I have a 9 week old baby brother, how will you know what he wants for Christmas, he can’t talk yet?

Brother can communicate without talking – All he wants is to hear mommy’s heartbeat and feel her warmth while being held close to her.  He also wants to feel the love of his family and to be a part of the family.  Did you know that baby brother is a little miracle and a gift TO your family this year?  It’s true!
Hunter C. asks- My grandma told us bout the presents you left her when she was little, just how old are you?
I suppose I am quite old, just a few hundred years older than grandma.  Grandma was on my Nice List way back then and still is today!
Elijah M. asks- How come you don’t bring me everything that I asked for?
Trust me – You would be very unhappy if you received EVERYTHING you asked for!  You would have little to look forward to.  Hope is essential for the human spirit!
How old is he?  Where was he born?
Santa is a few hundred years old & was born inside the Arctic Circle near the North Pole.
How many elves work at the North Pole?

All of the elves at the North Pole work hard creating gifts for you – there are so many elves moving so fast that we have a difficult time counting them all!

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Reindeer Vision . . .

Ho Ho Ho!

We are so happy today - all of the reindeer are going to be visited by Dr. Seemore - our North Pole optometrist!  Dr. Seemore helps all of the reindeer to, well, see more. 

The good doctor works well with animals, helping them to enjoy everyday life here at the North Pole.  I'll bet you never thought about this, but it is very important for safety reasons that all of the reindeer are able to have clear vision on our around the world flight that is coming Christmas Eve. 

The doctor looks in their big, brown eyes with a little flashlight, then shows them pictures on a white wall in the reindeer barn of carrots and berries to see if they react to the pictures - if they paw the ground or bob their heads a little bit, we know they can see well and they recognize the item shown!

Thank you Dr. Seemore!  You provide a wonderful service to our community.

We'll see you my friend . . . 

Ho Ho Ho!


Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Welcome To Wednesday!

Ho Ho Ho!

Can you believe that we are already in the middle of the week - yes sir, it's Wednesday!  As we get closer and closer to Christmas Eve, the time seems to go faster and faster - It is almost beyond belief!

We still have many supplies arriving on a daily basis and the Toy Shop is really producing some very fine gifts this year, even better than in past years!  I think the difference this year is the attitude of our elves - each and every one of them works diligently to produce gifts that are thoughtful, useful, and of good value.

I just recently requested a special gift to be crafted especially for you. As you know, you will need to be on your very best behavior to find out what it is the elves have helped to create.  I will say this much . . .  this Christmas you will treasure this gift more than the others!

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa

EspeciallyFromSanta.com