Santa Letters - Santa Evidence - Santa Calls

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Sunday, September 30, 2007

Christmas, Holiday Gift Ideas Under 20 Dollars

Christmas, Holiday Gift Ideas Under 20 Dollars




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These are some nice ideas for a gift under 20 dollars. You can buy them almost any where at any time. They fit any occasion. It doesn't get much easier than this!

# Letters from Santa, Phone Calls From Santa

# Folding Outdoor Chair

# Sunglasses

# Assorted Packages of Dried Fruit in a Tin or Decorative Box

# Heavy Duty Flashlight and Batteries

# Cheese Grater and Block of Cheese (Write on the tag, "To a GRATE friend!)

# Serving Dish that Complements Kitchen Decor

# House Plant or Small Indoor Tree

# Favorite Cookbook - I love my cookbook a friend made me with Secret Recipes From All the Most Popular Restaurants -

# Rare CD

# Reading Light

# Set of Plastic Storage Containers (Personally, I like square ones all the same size to keep things simple. Sometimes I fill the containers with treats before giving.)

# Outdoor Flag

# Planter for Window or Porch Rail

# Car Organizers

# Extra Large and Fluffy Bath Towel

# Coffee Table Book

# Decorative Trash Can

# Indoor/Outdoor Electric Thermometer

# Current Issues of 3 or 4 Different Magazines Tied With a Gigantic Bow

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60 Christmas Gift Ideas for Under $20

60 Christmas Gift Ideas - Holiday Gifts for Under $20

Stop! Before you go out and spend hundreds of dollars (or thousands!) on Christmas presents, read through our favorite list of inexpensive gift ideas. This column has been a favorite among our readers since it was first published in 2001. We hope it will help you find that perfect gift for everyone on your list, while spending less!

These frugal gifts are great for any occasion all throughout the year, including Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, 60 Christmas Gift Ideas for Under $20

There are hundreds of great gifts that can be purchased or made by hand for under $20, gifts that are both thoughtful and frugal at the same time. Put them in an inexpensive basket or wrap them with a pretty ribbon and you'll truly have a beautiful gift--without breaking the bank!

I know you've probably heard it before but it's really true that you don't have to spend a lot of money to find that perfect gift for someone. Just be sure to put some time and thought into it and your gift will be well received...

Our loved ones probably appreciate our time and love more than anything.

Here's a few of my favorite inexpensive gift ideas...

1. Letters From Santa
2. Pound of pistachios
3. Child's artwork, framed
4. Journal with special inscription inside
5. Teacup with box of herbal tea
6. Deck of cards and book of card game rules
7. Homemade cocoa mix in a pretty jar
8. Collage of special photos
9. Gel pens and pretty stationary
10. Bottle of sparkling cider
11. Home baked bread, include recipe
12. Disposable camera or rolls of film
13. Basket filled with deli cheese and fruit
14. Craft supplies
15. Holiday serving bowl or platter
16. Pretty basket filled with special jams or mustards
17. Decorative napkins and napkin rings
18. Fancy chocolate bars tied with a ribbon
19. Gardening gloves with a plant or flower seeds
20. Photo album, hand decorated is even better
21. Makeup tote
22. Prepaid photo developing envelopes
23. Homemade cookie mix with instructions for baking
24. Variety of bread mixes
25. Special coffee cup filled with candy
26. Fancy magazines tied together with a pretty ribbon
27. Gourmet popcorn and flavored oil
28. Locally made barbeque or steak sauce with basting brush
29. Pancake or waffle mix and a bottle of real maple syrup
30. Movie theater gift certificates
31. Board games
32. Jar of sourwood or pure honey with biscuit mix
33. Note cards and book of stamps
34. Picture frames, buy them on sale!
35. Specialty cookbook
36. Pretty glass jar filled with candy
37. Collectible sports cards
38. Muffin mixes with muffin pan
39. Books, there are still a few for under $10
40. Set of dish towels and dish cloths
41. Nail polish kit
42. Pretty night shirt
43. Basket filled with kitchen gadgets
44. Video rental gift certificates
45. Pepper mill and fresh peppercorns
46. Handwritten copies of your favorite recipes
47. For the pets, gourmet dog biscuits or cat treats
48. Baking pans and supplies
49. Prepaid long distance phone cards
50. Small clock or radio
51. Pretty box for keepsakes
52. Colorful Post-It notepads
53. Address book
54. Christmas ornaments
55. Puzzles
56. Blank video or cassette tapes
57. Sewing supplies
58. Flashlight with batteries
59. Favorite quote embroidered on a nice handkerchief
60. home baked cookies

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Friday, September 28, 2007

Vixen. Reindeer Facts About Santa's Reindeer Named Vixen

Vixen. Reindeer Facts About Santa's Reindeer Named Vixen

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Remember that pretty girl reindeer who was leading the team of reindeer trainees when it was rescued by Cupid? That was Vixen. She was the top reindeer in her training class. She was renowned for her beauty and for her graceful flying that has become even more graceful through the years of practice. Her triple loop with a single hoof landing has never been equaled.

Anyway, after the heroic rescue, Vixen fell head over hooves for Cupid, joined the Sleigh Team, and got hitched to Cupid. She's still flying, still pretty, and she still thinks Cupid is the bravest reindeer she has ever met. Even after hundreds of years together, she and Cupid still hold hooves. And Cupid still blushes when Vixen gives him the eye.

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Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Letters From Santa. Christmas Eve rituals

Letters From Santa. Christmas Eve rituals

Christmas Eve rituals

In the United States and Canada, the tradition is to leave Santa a glass of milk and cookies; in Britain and Australia, he is sometimes given sherry and mince pies instead. In Sweden, children leave brownies.

British, Australian, Canadian and American children also leave out a carrot for Santa's reindeer, and were traditionally told that if they are not good all year round, that they will receive a lump of coal in their stockings, although this practice is now considered archaic. Children following the Dutch custom for sinterklaas will "put out their shoe" — that is, leave hay and a carrot for his horse in a shoe before going to bed — sometimes weeks before the sinterklaas avond. The next morning they will find the hay and carrot replaced by a gift; often, this is a marzipan figurine. Naughty children were once told that they would be left a roe (a bundle of sticks) instead of sweets, but this practice has been discontinued.

Letters To Santa
Writing letters to Santa Claus has been a Christmas tradition for children for many years. These letters normally contain a wishlist of toys and assertions of good behavior. Some social scientists have found that boys and girls write different types of letters. Girls generally write longer but more polite lists and express the nature of Christmas more in their letters than in letters written by boys. Girls also request gifts for other people on a more frequent basis

Many postal services allow children to send letters to Santa Claus pleading their good behavior and requesting gifts; these letters may be answered by postal workers or other volunteers. Canada Post has a special postal code for letters to Santa Claus, and since 1982 over 13,000 Canadian postal workers have volunteered to write responses. His address is: Santa Claus, North Pole, Canada, H0H 0H0 (This postal code, in which zeros are used for the letter "O" is consistent with the alternating letter-number format of all Canadian postal codes.) Sometimes children's charities answer letters in poorer communities or from children's hospitals in order to give them presents that they would not otherwise receive.

In Britain it is tradition to burn the Christmas letters on the fire so that they would be magically transported by the wind to the North Pole. However, this tradition is dying out in modern times with few people having true open fires in their homes.

In Mexico and other latinamerican countries, besides using the mail, sometimes children wrap their letters to a small helium balloon, realising them to the air so Santa magically receives them.

Through the years Santa Claus of Finland has received over eight million letters. He gets over 600,000 letters every year from over 150 countries. Children from Great Britain, Poland and Japan are the busiest writers. The Finnish Santa Claus lives in Korvatunturi but Santa's Official Post Office is situated in Rovaniemi at the Arctic circle. His address is this: Santa Claus, Santa Claus Village, FIN-96930 Arctic Circle, Finland.

As opposing to children writing a letter to Santa Claus, parents of those children can order a personalized "Santa letter", such as from Santa Letters, to be sent to their children - often with a North Pole postmarked on the envelope to simulate that the letter is from Santa Claus. Because the density of where these parents live is extremely low in any given area, this "Santa Letter" market therefore heavily rely on internet as a medium for parents to order these santa letters rather than ordering from an ordinary retail store.

Letters From Santa

Some people have created websites designed to allow children and other interested parties to "track" Santa Claus on Christmas Eve via radar; while in transit, Santa Claus is sometimes escorted by Canadian and USA Air Force fighter jets

In 1955, a Sears Roebuck store in Colorado Springs, Colorado, gave children a number to call a "Santa hotline". The number was mistyped and children called the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) on Christmas Eve instead. The Director of Operations, Col. Harry Shoup, received the first call for Santa and responded by telling children that there were signs on the radar that Santa was indeed heading south from North Pole. In 1958, Canada and the United States jointly created the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) and together tracked Santa Claus for children of North America that year and ever since This tracking can now be done by children via the Internet and NORAD's website. Many local television stations in the United States and Canada likewise track Santa Claus in their own metropolitan areas through the stations' meteorologists.

Many other websites are available year-round that are devoted to Santa Claus and keeping tabs on his activities in his workshop. Many of these websites also include e-mail addresses, a modern version of the postal service letter writing, in which children can send Santa Claus e-mail.

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Proof of Santas magical visit

Tracking The Flight Of Santa. How Tracking Santa Works

Tracking The Flight Of Santa. How Tracking Santa Works

For more than 50 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa. The tradition began after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. store advertisement for children to call Santa on a special "hotline" included an inadvertently misprinted telephone number. Instead of Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief's operations "hotline." The Director of Operations, Colonel Harry Shoup, received the first "Santa" call on Christmas Eve 1955. Realizing what had happened, Colonel Shoup had his staff check radar data to see if there was any indication of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Indeed there were signs of Santa and children who called were given an update on Santa's position. Thus, the tradition was born. In 1958, the governments of Canada and the United States created a bi-national air defense command for the North American continent called the North American Air Defense Command, known as NORAD. Canada and the U.S. believed they could better defend North America together as a team instead of separately. See the video on tracking Santa: See The Video On Tracking Santa Video

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NORAD carried out its first Santa tracking in 1958 after inheriting the tradition from CONAD. Since that time, Canadian and American men and women who work at NORAD have responded to phone calls from children personally. Additionally, media from all over the world call NORAD on Christmas Eve for updates on Santa's location. Last year this Website was visited by millions of people who wanted to know Santa's whereabouts. This year, the information is provided in six languages.

NORAD relies on many volunteers to help make Santa tracking possible. Hundreds of volunteers spend part of their Christmas Eve at the Santa Tracking Operations Center answering phones and emails to provide Santa updates to thousands of inquiring children worldwide.

NORAD uses four high-tech systems to track Santa - radar, satellites, Santa Cams and jet fighter aircraft.

Detecting Santa all starts with the NORAD radar system called the North Warning System. This powerful radar system has 47 installations strung across the northern border of North America. NORAD makes a point of checking the radar closely for indications of Santa Claus leaving the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

The moment our radar tells us that Santa has lifted off, we use our second mode of detection, the same satellites that we use in providing warning of possible missile launches aimed at North America. These satellites are located in a geo-synchronous orbit (that's a cool phrase meaning that the satellite is always fixed over the same spot on the Earth) at 22,300 miles above the Earth. The satellites have infrared sensors, meaning they can detect heat. When a rocket or missile is launched, a tremendous amount of heat is produced - enough for the satellites to detect. Rudolph's nose gives off an infrared signature similar to a missile launch. The satellites can detect Rudolph's bright red nose with practically no problem. With so many years of experience, NORAD has become good at tracking aircraft entering North America, detecting worldwide missile launches and tracking the progress of Santa, thanks to Rudolph.

The third detection system we use is the Santa Cam. We began using it in 1998 - the year we put our Santa Tracking program on the Internet. NORAD Santa Cams are ultra-cool high-tech high-speed digital cameras that are pre-positioned at many places around the world. NORAD only uses these cameras once a year - Christmas Eve. The cameras capture images of Santa and the Reindeer as they make their journey around the world. We immediately download the images on to our web site for people around the world to see. Santa Cams produce both video and still images.

The fourth detection system we use is the NORAD jet fighter. Canadian NORAD fighter pilots, flying the CF-18, take off out of Newfoundland to intercept and welcome Santa to North America. Then at numerous locations in Canada other CF-18 fighter pilots escort Santa. While in the United States, American NORAD fighter pilots in either the F-15 or F-16 get the thrill of flying with Santa and the famous Reindeer Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. About a dozen NORAD fighters in Canada and the United States are equipped with Santa Cams.

About NORAD

NORAD is the bi-national U.S.-Canadian military organization responsible for the aerospace defense of the United States and Canada. NORAD was created by a 1958 agreement between Canada and the United States. The agreement has been renewed nine times - most recently this year. NORAD provides warning of missile and air attack against both of its member nations, safeguards the air sovereignty of North America, and provides air defense forces for defense against an air attack.

NORAD's mission has evolved over the years to meet the aerospace defense needs of Canada and the United States. The most recent "evolution" in NORAD's mission came as a result of September 11, 2001. Because of that day, NORAD now monitors the airspace within Canada and the United States, too. In addition, the command also conducts maritime warning. There are men and women in NORAD constantly watching the skies and waterways to keep the United States and Canada safe.

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Tracking Santa's Flight With NORAD

Tracking Santa's Flight With NORAD

Why does NORAD track Santa?

Robertson: Back in 1955 a local department store put an ad in the paper for a Santa hotline for the kids to phone in and talk to Santa Claus. The only problem was they printed the wrong phone number — it turned out to be the operations hotline for Continental Air Defense [NORAD's predecessor]. Apparently the personnel had phone calls all Christmas Eve from kids who wanted to speak to Santa. They quickly realized that obviously they're not going to say they're Santa, but they could check their radar scopes to see if they could see him heading down south from the pole — and they saw him. Since that time it's been an annual tradition. See The Video On Tracking Santa Video

How do you do it?

NORAD has a lot of sophisticated equipment to carry out its day-to-day role of aerospace warning and aerospace control for North America. We maintain a satellite system that can actually detect heat sources associated with a missile launch. A number of years ago we realized we could actually pick up the heat from the nose of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and that allows us to actually track Santa Claus's progress around the world. Additionally we have radar systems and satellites around the world, so all of these systems, as well as our NORAD fighters in Canada and the U.S., assist us with tracking Santa Claus.

Letters From Santa. From $10 to $19 to receive Personal letters from Santa or a Phone Call From Santa

How does Santa travel so quickly?

The one thing we have learned is that Santa has extremely sophisticated equipment, he's been doing this for centuries, clearly he can fly way faster than any jet we have. In fact he's been clocked up to 600 times the speed of sound. We're not sure how he does it. He has — I mean for instance, how do you fly around the world in an old wooden sleigh with 9 reindeer? It doesn't make a lot of sense, but clearly he has some Christmas magic that we don't understand and I think it's gonna take many years before we crack the Santa code.

How difficult is it for NORAD to track something going that fast?

The primary way we can do that is through the satellite system, the Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites. The way we track is we get continuous signals in geographic areas — [normally] we can't maintain a continual track but we do pick up the nose. Rudolph's nose. We've all heard the song about Rudolph's nose shining so bright, but what people don't realize is that it also emits a significant infra-red heat source and that heat source is enough for our satellites to maintain a sufficient lock during his 24-hour journey.

Do the reindeer have some sort of advanced propulsion system?

No, they seem to be everyday reindeer. The images we've picked up over the years show nine reindeer. The one in the front does have a red nose and seems to be smaller. We haven't figured out how reindeer can fly so fast and like I said, Santa Claus uses some technology that's very, very advanced and sophisticated, technology that we do not have. But the bottom line is it gets the job done on Christmas Eve.

Major Robertson (right) in the control center of NORAD.

Air speed is one thing, but has NORAD's tracking and imaging of Santa revealed anything about how he manages to deliver all those toys?

We've checked into this. At face value is doesn't seem possible, so we had some of our analysts take a look at this issue and they concluded that somehow Santa operates in a different time-space continuum. Clearly he cannot deliver millions of toys around the world in just 24 hours. He somehow functions in a different time-space continuum, perhaps for him it takes several months, several weeks but for us it only takes 24 hours. That's the only thing that makes any sense to us.

How do you know how many households Santa visits?

Again, we did some calculations and looked into that. Approximately 750 millions households is the estimate we had. Obviously it's difficult to come up with conclusive figures but based on geography and the number of households that believe in Santa Claus — because I think that's a key thing, I think you have to believe in Santa Claus for him to visit your house — we estimate 750 million households.

Could it be possible that Santa is not just one individual, but a succession of them, or multiple Santa clones?

From our research into Santa, we've concluded that there is one Santa Claus. This one person manages to do all these things in one Christmas Eve, and he is aided by nine reindeer for propulsion, clearly. We're not sure how he makes all these toys — obviously Toyland is a fairly well-known phenomenon — but the point is, on Christmas Eve he is solely responsible for delivering toys all over the planet. And he manages to do it every year and has done it for centuries.

NORAD fighter planes make visual identification of Santa Claus.

You would think Santa could employ stealth technology if he wanted to. Is Santa cooperating with NORAD?

What we do see every year is, usually we fly Canadian NORAD fighters up north to make a visual identification of Santa because Santa tends not to file flight plans with the FAA and as a result we're required to go and make an identification. When we do that and he travels so fast, he tends to slow down, waves to the pilots and then carries on his journey. So I'd say from that point of view he's happy that NORAD can see him. Um, we have some secrets too, on how we track Santa. Bottom line is he's very quick — that probably explains why kids don't see him on Christmas Eve. If you see him you're very lucky because he's very fast.

Does Santa need clearance to fly over certain protected airspace?

Most people would require clearance to enter specific areas but Santa Claus does his own thing. Bottom line is he's been around a long time, way before we existed. He's been doing this for centuries, he can pretty much go wherever he wants in the world. The technology he employs, the speed he travels, there's no limit to where Santa can go. So really from that point of view there is no history of him applying for applications for flying in specific areas. Santa will go where he wants to go. Wherever there's a kid that believes in him, Santa will go.

Does Santa use any protective clothing or gear to survive the elements?

We've looked into that. I mean if you travel at any kind of speed at that altitude, in cold winter weather, through snowstorms, you'd think you wouldn't be able to survive. A normal person wouldn't be able to survive those conditions, but all the images we have of Santa show him quite clearly in an open sleigh. The only thing he's wearing, the only protective clothing, is a big red suit with fur and so on, a big pair of boots and gloves. But other than that, he's driving along in the snow. He must have some kind of system that protects him from the elements, but we can't see any kind of technology that gives us a clue what it is.

Another key question is how Santa gets down the chimney. Any intelligence on that?

The chimney question is a very controversial issue — we've tried to address that on our web site. There's some technology being used that requires people to think outside the box, there's something we have no easy explanation for. But the bottom line is, the guy gets down the chimney. How he does it, I don't know. One thing we have learned is he does not need a chimney to get into a person's house to deliver toys. He can go through doors and windows like anyone else, but the bottom line is he gets in there, he delivers the toys and he's outta there. He's very efficient, very effective, and we can basically count on Santa doing the job.

Leaving cookies for Santa is a good idea

Well I think skeptics that don't believe in Santa Claus are missing out on a fantastic Christmas tradition. I think historically there's proof beyond doubt that there was an individual by name of St. Nicholas who started the tradition of delivering toys down chimneys and so on. What we believe based on our research is that St. Nicholas is probably Santa Claus, he was the initial Santa as it were. Somewhere along the line St. Nicholas (or Father Christmas or Santa — whatever you want to call him) seemed to find a way to deliver toys globally and has lived for 1500-years-plus. We can't explain that — I think there's some magic. There're a lot of things in this world that people don't understand but it doesn't mean to say that things don't exist. We see Santa every Christmas Eve and I think most children at home would agree that Santa does exist, for sure.

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Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Letter To Santa From Microsoft Bill Gates

Letter To Santa From Microsoft Bill Gates

Dear Santa,

How are you doing? I hope you've had a successful year and have come up with a lot of interesting toys. It's really neat how you're able to do that year after year. I guess that's how you stay number one in the Christmas presents business.

Actually, I admire the way you run Christmas. You really have a handle on it. You find out what people want (with letters like this and having kids tell you in person), and then you make the presents and control how they are delivered. It's an impressive operation.

I also like how you've got it to where when somebody says "Christmas presents," people automatically think Santa Claus. What a marketing advantage. Best of all, even though you're a huge success, people still don't know much about your private life. It's just rumors. That's so neat.

I think being at the North Pole helps. That was a good move. For example, when you're designing toys, only your elves know what you're doing, and you're way up there where nobody can spy on you and steal your ideas. And even if they do, you can always just let it out that you're making the same stuff to bring to people for free, so why would they buy the other guy's stuff?

Also, other people who make Christmas presents can't deliver them like you can. Yours is the only sleigh on the distribution highway. You must get some great discounts from them, because if they don't play ball you can just refuse to give out their presents. Very sharp.

What I don't get is why you give away stuff. That's the dumbest idea I've ever heard. I admit, it's why you're number one- who could compete with a deal like that? But it must make it hard to stay in business, especially when you have to visit every kid in the world. You have to keep growing or fail.

Here's an idea on how you can help finance your operation: Give everybody at least one present at Christmas, then you could make batteries and sell them the rest of the year. It would create a demand: You give people something and then sell them what they need to make it work.

Another thing, about you coming down the chimney. That's so slow and inefficient. And what about all the people who don't have chimneys? Santa. I have one word for you--windows. Everybody has windows.

That's about all I have to say. You're probably wondering if I was good or bad this year, but I don't really like to talk about my personal life, if that's O.K. (Just out of curiosity: When you were a boy, did any of the other kids call you a nerd?) Anyway, I don't really have anything to ask for. Mostly I think up something to play with and then build it myself. I guess I'm sort of like you--I make my own toys.

Best of luck,
Billy Gates

Christmas Humor - Christmas Jokes - Christmas Riddles

Christmas Humor - Christmas Jokes - Christmas Riddles

What do elves learn in school?
[The Elf-abet!]

What was so good about the neurotic doll the girl was given for Christmas?
[It was already wound up.]

Did you hear that one of Santa's reindeer now works for Proctor and Gambel?
[Its true, Comet cleans sinks!]

How many reindeer does Santa Have???
[10 (named below)
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen
Rudoph (the one with the red nose)
Olive (Olive the other reindeer {all of})]

Mom, can I have a dog for Christmas?
[No, you can have turkey like everyone else.]

What nationality is Santa Claus?
[North Polish.]

What do you call a cat on the beach at Christmastime?
[Sandy Claws!]

What kind of bird can write?
[A PENguin.]

Why did Santa spell Christmas N-O-E?
[Because the angel had said,"No L!"]

Who is never hungry at Christmas?
[The turkey, he is always stuffed.]

What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?
[Claustrophobic.]

Judge: "What are you charged with?"
Prisoner: "Doing my Christmas shopping early."
Judge: "That's not an offense. How early were you doing this shopping?"
Prisoner: "Before the store opened."

What do you get if you cross Father Christmas with a detective ?
[Santa Clues!]

A woman went to the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. Clerk: "What denomination?"
Woman: "Oh, good heavens! Have we come to this? Well, give me 50 Baptist and 50 Catholic."

What do monkeys sing at Christmas?
[Jungle bells, jungle bells...]

What do you do if Santa gets stuck in your chimney?
[Pour Santa flush on him.]

What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
[Snowflakes.]

Q: What does Father Christmas write on his cards at Christmas?
A: ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ (no-L)

What's the best thing to put into a Christmas cake?
[Your teeth.]

Why does Santa's sled get such good mileage?
[Because it has long-distance runners on each side.]

What are Christmas trees like bad knitters?
[They both drop their needles.]

Why does Scrooge love Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
[because every buck is dear to him.]

How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas?
[Fleece Navidad!]

What do you get if you deep fry Santa Claus?
[Crisp Cringle.]

Knock Knock
Who's there ?
Avery
Avery who ?
Avery merry Christmas !

Why is Christmas just like a day at the office ?
[You do all the work and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit.]

What do you get if you cross an apple with a Christmas Tree?
[A pineapple.]

What did the guest sing at the Eskimo Christmas Party?
[Freeze a jolly good fellow...]

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?
[It's Christmas, Eve!]

What did the ghosts say to Santa Claus?
[We'll have a boo Christmas without you.]

What did Santa shout to his toys on Christmas Eve?
[Okay everyone, sack time!!]

If athletes get athletes foot, what do astronauts get?
[Missletoe!]

If Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus had a child, what would he be called?
[A subordinate claus.]

Just before Christmas, there was an honest politician, a kind lawyer and Santa
Claus travelling in a lift of a very posh hotel. Just before the doors opened
they all noticed a $5 bill lying on the floor. Which one picked it up??
[Santa of course, the other two don't exist!]

What do you have in December that you don't have in any other month?
[The letter "D"!]

Why does Santa have 3 gardens?
[So he can ho-ho-ho.]

Why was Santa's little helper depressed?
[Because he had low elf esteem.]

What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?
[Frostbite.]

Knock Knock
Who's there ?
Holly
Holly who ?
Holly-days are here again !

What do you get when you cross an archer with a gift-wrapper?
[Ribbon hood.]

The 3 stages of man:
1) He believes in Santa Claus.
2) He doesn't believe in Santa Claus.
3) He is Santa Claus.

What if it had been three Wise Women instead of three Wise Men?
[They would have asked directions,
arrived on time,
helped deliver the baby,
cleaned the stable,
made a casserole,
and brought practical gifts.]

One Christmas I got a battery with a note saying, "Toy not included."

Patient: Doctor, doctor, I keep thinking I'm a Christmas bell.
Doctor: Take these pills and if they don't work, give me a ring.

Patient: Doctor, I'm scared of Father Christmas.
Doctor: You're suffering from Claus-trophobia.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Mary.
Mary who?
Merry Christmas.

Q: How do cats greet each other at Christmas?
A: Have a furry merry Christmas and a Happy Mew Year.

Q: How do sheep greet each other at Christmas?
A: A merry Christmas to Ewe.

Get Letters From Santa
Visit The Santa Claus House

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Christmas Songs Lyrics: Let It Snow!

Christmas Songs Lyrics: Let It Snow!

Let It Snow!
Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne (c) 1945

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

It doesn't show signs of stopping,
And I brought some corn for popping;
The lights are turned way down low,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

When we finally say good night,
How I'll hate going out in the storm;
But if you really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we're still good-bye-ing,
But as long as you love me so.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

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Christmas Desert Recipes: Pecan Pie, Fudge, Fruit bars

Christmas Desert Recipes: Pecan Pie, Fudge, Fruit bars

Christmas Pecan Pie
Ingredients:

3 large eggs
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup pecans
1 unbaked 9″ pie shell

Preheat oven to 375 farenheit, beat eggs, sugar and salt. Add butter, syrup and mix in pecans. Bake 40-45 minutes in pie shell.

Christmas Fudge

Ingredients:

6 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups butter
1 large can evaporated milk
2 packages chocolate chips
1 jar marshmallow cream
1 cup nuts

Cook in heavy pan until boiling, boil 10 minutes, stirring all the time. Take off burner and add chips, marshmallow cream and nuts, make sure you mix well, pour into 9 x 13 buttered pan. It will make 6 pounds.

Christmas Fruit Bars

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup margarine
3/4 cup fruit preserves

Stir dry ingredients together. Stir in oats 7 sugar, cut in butter until crumbly. Pat 1/2 crumbs in 11 x 7 pan. Spread with preserves, top with crumbs. Bake 375 farenheit for 35 minutes. Makes 2 1/2 dozen.


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Sunday, September 9, 2007

How to Write a Letter to Santa Claus

How to Write a Letter to Santa Claus

Children love to write letters to Santa Claus. Usually parents lend a hand. How should a parent help a child write a letter to Santa Claus? Here are some tips that will make your child’s letter to Santa more than just a list of gifts he or she wants.

Dear Santa………
First of all, a letter to Santa should be a personal message from your child to Santa Claus, not to a parent or grandparent. The child’s own words should be used and his or her personality should shine through. Very young children ages 2 to 5 can draw or cut out pictures to show gifts they want for the holidays. The parent can write down words just as the child says them. Encourage your child to watch as you print and say the letters out loud. Talk about the sounds the letters make. Show the child how to leave a space between each word.

Kindergarten through Third Grades
For children in kindergarten through third grade, making a chart of words is a great idea. The child can think of words first, get help spelling them, illustrate them, and then write the letter by himself. The 5 and 6 year olds will need a bit of additional help. It helps to have a chart showing the form of a letter to Santa, for example, showing where to put the date, the greeting, the body of the letter, and the closing. Your child should tell Santa the good things they have done during the year, as well as what they wish for as gifts.

Grades 3 through 5
Children in grades 3 through 5 probably don’t believe in Santa Claus, but can be encouraged to write a letter anyway, “for fun”. Encourage your child to tell what good deeds he/she has done during the year and how he/she has helped others. Have the child put in a “Good wish for the world.” The child can also tell “Santa” their goals for the coming year. Parents can respond to these letters, giving advice and sending love to their children. Keep the letters to Santa Claus for posterity.

All children should send best wishes to everyone at the North Pole. The letters may be mailed to: Santa Claus, The North Pole, The Arctic, Earth.

Get Letters From Santa
Visit The Santa Claus House

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Twelve Days Of Christmas. History of The 12 Days Of Christams Song

12 Days Of Christmas. History of The Twelve Days Of Christams Song

Visit The Santa Claus House

Get Letters From Santa

The "Twelve Days of Christmas" are the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6th) when, it is believed, the Three Wise Men arrived upon the scene of the nativity. The world in general celebrates Christmas for only one day, but the Church celebrates the event for twelve days because it is believed that the gift of Christ is with all people for twelve months of the year.

The musical origin of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is that of a "catechism song." Between the years 1558 and 1829, those of the Catholic belief in England were prohibited from practicing their faith, either publicly or privately. Without regular mass, sacraments, or catechism lessons from the priest, there was little parents could do to help their children learn and remember the aspects of Catholicism. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was created in order to keep Catholic beliefs alive.

The song served as a memory aid, to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith during a time when to be in possession of any "writing" which indicated adherence to the Catholic faith could not only get a person imprisoned, but could also mean death by hanging alone, or by being "hung, drawn and quartered," a particularly brutal and violent method of execution.

Since the words to the song appeared little more than rhyming nonsense, however, it could be sung by young Catholics without fear of retribution. Since the catecism to which it referred was rather ecumenical, the song could probably be claimed as Protestant in religious tone, if questions happened to be forthcoming. In a sense, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is an allegory with each of the items contained within the words a symbol of something which bears religious significance

The gifts referenced contain hidden meanings to the teachings of the Catholic faith. The "true love" mentioned does not refer to an earthly suitor, but was meant to represent God Himself. The "me" who is the receipient of the presents was intended to symbolize every person who had been baptized into the Catholic faith.

"A partridge in a pear tree" was representative of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge in memory of the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would
have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so...." A mother partridge will feign injury in order to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings. Children hearing these words would know...and understand...the parallel between the acts of this mother bird and the sacrifice of Christ. In other words, it was representative of the one true God revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. Some believe this to also be significant of the "tree" upon which Christ was crucified. In ancient times, a partridge was often used as a mythological symbol of a divine and sacred king.

"Two turtle doves" was representative of the Old and New Testaments...gifts from God. Since the dove symbolizes peace, it was believed that the Gospel contained in these two scriptures, when practiced, would bring peace.

"Three French hens" was representative of Faith, Hope and Charity...the Theological Virtues, sometimes referenced as Faith, Hope and Love...the three gifts of the "Spirit that abide" (I Corinthians 13). The French hens may also represent God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.

"Four calling birds" was representative of the Four Gospels which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ and/or the Four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

"Five golden rings" was representative of the first Five Books of the Old Testament (also known as the "Pentateuch" or the "Books of Moses") which relate the history of mankind's fall from grace and chronicle the law condemning humankind for their sins.

"Six geese a-laying" was representative of the Six Days of Creation.

"Seven swans a-swimming" was representative of the "Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit" or the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic faith (I Corinthians 12:8-11; Romans 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4:10-11).

"Eight maids a-milking" was representative of the Eight Beatitudes.

"Nine ladies dancing" was representative of the Nine Choirs of Angels or the
Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit, namely: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).

"Ten lords a-leaping" was representative of the Ten Commandments.

"Eleven pipers piping" was representative of the eleven faithful Disciples.

"Twelve drummers drumming" was representative of the twelve points of belief
or doctrine in the Creed of the Apostles:

Chrsitmas Carols. History of Christmas Carols

Chrsitmas Carols. History of Christmas Carols

Christian scriptures detail a world of spirits and nine choirs of Angels who were sent by God into the lives of humankind. Legend tells that in Bethlehem, people heard the Angels sing one time in unison to announce the birth of the Christ Child. The words thought to ring out at that moment were: Gloria in exelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Therefore, this is considered to be the first Christmas carol.

According to ancient tradition, Christmas carols of all times and all nations should adhere strictly to the narrative of Saint Luke, which has three distinct points: the recitive of the Angel of the Lord, the choir of the multitudes of Angels and the reaction of the shepherds.

Christmastime music began with the litanies, or musical prayers, of the Christian Church. An early historian wrote that in approximately 100 A.D., the Bishop of Rome urged his people to sing "in celebration of the birthday of our Lord." By 400 A.D., priests would stroll around their parishes on Christmas Eve singing these Latin hymns.

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with being the "Father of Caroling." Only church officials had been encouraged to sing carols prior to the time of St. Francis. In 1223, however, the saint placed a creche (miniature Nativity scene) in a hermitage at Greechio, Italy. After this, many churches began displaying such scenes at Christmas and soon, people began to act out the events of the Holy Night. The actors composed Christmas carols to sing during their Nativity plays and, later, would stroll through the streets still singing. In that manner, did street-caroling come to be.

By the Middle Ages, wandering minstrels were traveling from hamlet to castle performing their carols. Later still, villages had their own bands of "waits." Waits were originally watchmen who patrolled the streets and byways of the old walled cities, keeping guard against fire and singing to while away the night hours. During the holiday season, the waits would include carols in their repertoires. Not everyone was delighted with this display of musical entertainment, however, and many townspeople complained, declaring they would rather get a good night's sleep than have somebody singing under their windows. Eventually the term was used to describe groups of musicians who sang and played at various civic events during the Christmas season.

The word "carol" derives from a Greek dance called a choraulein, which was accompanied by flute music. The dance later spread throughout Europe and became particularly popular by the French, who replaced the flute music with singing. Originally, people performed carols on many occasions during the year. By the 1600s, carols involved singing only and Christmas had become the chief holiday for these songs. Counted among the most favored of non-religious carols are "Jingle Bells" and "White Christmas," both of which first appeared as popular songs in the United States.

"Adeste Fideles," more commonly known as "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful," is not strictly
a Christmas carol but a Latin hymn of praise. It was composed by John Reading
in the 1700s. The tune first appeared in the collection known as "Cantus Diversi"
in 1751. The most familiar English version of this carol was translated by
Frederick Oakeley, but people sing it in many parts of the world and in many languages.

"The First Noel" is unknown in origin, except that it is believed to have come from the
West of England. It first appeared in 1833 in "Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern,"
a collection of seasonal songs gathered by W.B. Sandys.

"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" is an old English rhyme and dates at least as far back
as the 1500s. It is a carol of which the British people are particularly fond.

"Good Christian Men, Rejoice" was originally a very old Latin Christmas song called
In Dulci Jubilo. John Mason Neale translated the words around the middle
of the 1800s. The melody is believed to be German in origin and dates from
the 1300s or earlier.

"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" was written by Charles Wesley (brother of John Wesley)
in 1739. The carol originally began with: "Hark, how all the welkin rings."
The tune for this song was taken from the "Festesang" by Mendelssohn.

"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" was written by Edmund H. Sears in 1849. At the time,
Sears was a pastor in Wayland, Massachusetts. The music was provided by Richard S. Willis,
then editor of "Musical World," in his "Study Number 23." Uzziah Burnap arranged
this accompaniment to the lyrics in 1859.

"Joy To The World" was composed by the great English hymn writer, Isaac Watts.
It is based on the Ninety-Eighth Psalm and its words reflect the missionary spirit of
the early 1700s. Lowell Mason arranged the lyrics to music taken from several
choruses of the "Messiah" by Handel.

"O Little Town Of Bethlehem" was written by Phillips Brooks, a renowned Boston minister.
He composed the carol in 1867 for his Sunday School in Philadelphia, where he was
preaching at the time. Lewis Redner, organist of the church, wrote the tune.

"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" was among the first compositions produced
after the 1700s. Only the Psalms of David were sung in the Anglican Church prior to
that time. It was written by Nahum Tate in 1703 and the familiar melody used for this
carol was taken from "Siroe," an opera by Handel.

History of Christmas. Christmas Traditions

History of Christmas. Christmas Traditions

The history of a Christmas festival dates back over 4000 years. Ancient Midwinter festivities celebrated the return of the Sun from cold and darkness. Midwinter was a turning point between the Old Year and the New Year. Fire was a symbol of hope and boughs of greenery symbolized the eternal cycle of creation.

The term "Xmas" instead of "Christmas" is Greek in origin. The word for "Christ" in Greek is "Xristos." during the Sixteenth Century, Europeans began using the first initial of Christ's name...the "X" of "Xristos"...in place of the word "Christ" as a shorthand version of the word "Christmas." Although early Christians understood that the "X" was simply another form for the name of Jesus Christ, later Christians, who had no knowledge of the Greek language, mistook "Xmas" as a sign of disrespect. Eventually, however, "Xmas" came to be both an accepted and suitable alternative to the word "Christmas."

Many of today's Christmas traditions were celebrated centuries before the Christ Child was born. The Twelve Days of Christmas, blazing fires, the yule log, the giving of gifts, carnivals or parades complete with floats, carolers who sing while going from house to house, holiday feasts and church processions are all rooted in the customs observed by early Mesopotamians.

Many of these traditions began with the Mesopotamian celebration of the New Year. The Mesopotamians worshipped many gods, the chief of whom was Marduk. Each year as winter arrived, it was believed that Marduk would battle the Monsters of Chaos. In order to assist Marduk during his struggle, the Mesopotamians held a festival for the New Year. They called this celebration Zagmuk and the festivities lasted for twelve days.

The King of Mesopotamia would return to the Temple of Marduk and swear his faithfulness to the god. The tradition called for the King to die at the end of the year and then return with Marduk to battle at his side. To spare their King, the Mesopotamians utilized a "mock" king. A criminal was chosen and dressed in royal clothes. He was given all due respect and the privileges of a true king but, at the end of the celebrations, the "mock" king was stripped of the royal garments and then put to death, thus sparing the life of the real monarch.

The ancient Persians and Babylonians celebrated a similar festival which they called the Sacaea. Part of that celebration included the exchanging of places within the community...slaves would become masters and the original masters were obliged to obey the former slaves' commands.

In Scandinavia during the winter months, the Sun would disappear for great lengths of time. After thirty-five of such dark days, scouts would be dispatched to the mountain tops to await the return of this life-giving heavenly body. When the first light was espied, the scouts would hurry back to their villages bearing the good news. In celebration, a great festival would be held, called the Yuletide, and a special feast would be served around a fire burning with the Yule log. Huge bonfires would also be lit to celebrate the welcome return of the Sun. In some areas, people would tie apples to the branches of trees as a reminder that Spring and Summer would eventually return.

The ancient Greeks held ceremonies similar to those of the Zagmuk and Sacaea festivals. The purpose of this feast was to assist their god Kronos, who would battle against the god Zeus and his army of Titans.

Members of the pagan order have always celebrated the Winter Solstice...the season of the year when days are shortest and nights longest. It was generally believed to be a time of drunkenness, revelry and debauchery. The pagan Romans called this celebration Saturnalia, in honor of their god Saturn. The festivities began in the middle of December and continued until January 1st. On December 25th, "The Birth of the Unconquerable Sun" was celebrated, as the days gradually lengthened and the Sun began to regain its dominance. It is a general pagan belief that the Sun dies during the Winter Solstice and then rises from the dead. With cries of "Jo Saturnalia!", the Roman celebration would include masquerades in the streets, mangificent festive banquets, the visiting of friends and the exchange of good-luck gifts known as Strenae...or "lucky fruits." Roman halls would be decked with garlands of laurel and green trees, adorned with lighted candles. Again, as with Sacaea, the masters and slaves would exchange places.

Saturnalia was considered a fun and festive time for the Romans, but Christians believed it an abomination to honor such a pagan god. The early converts wanted to maintain the birthday of their Christ Child as a solemn and religious holiday...not one of cheer and merriment, as was the pagan celebration of Saturnalia.

As Christianity spread, however, the Church became alarmed by the continuing practice among its flock to indulge in pagan customs and celebrate the festival of Saturnalia. At first, the holy men prohibited this type of revelry, but it was to no avail. Eventually, a decision was made to tame such celebrations and make them into a festive occasion better suited to honor the Christian Son of God.

According to some legends, the Christian celebration of Christmas was invented to compete against the pagan festivals held in December. The 25th was sacred not only to the Romans, but also to the Persians whose religion of Mithraism was one of Christianity's main rivals at that period in time. The Church was, however, finally successful in removing the merriment, lights and gifts from the Saturanilia festival and transferring them to the celebration of a Christian Christmas.

Christmas means "Christ's Mass" and is the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth and baptism. Although December 25th is generally accepted as being the time when the Christ Child was born, the exact date has never been chronicled with any degree of accuracy. There is neither scriptural nor secular evidence to establish the exact moment. One thing is relatively certain, however, the event did not take place in December. Since the child was born when shepherds were "abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night" (Luke 2:8), it is unlikely that shepherds in Israel would have been sleeping outside with their flocks during the month of December. In Winter, the herders would have led their sheep outside only during the daylight hours...the nights would have been far too cold. It is known that during the very early Christian centuries, the birth of the Christ Child was not celebrated in any manner. However, tradition dictates that the occasion has been commemorated since 98 A.D. In 137 A.D., the Bishop of Rome ordered that the birthday of Jesus Christ be observed as a solemn feast. In 350 A.D., Julius I (another Bishop of Rome) selected December 25th as the observance of Christmas. This date was made official in 375 A.D., when it was formally announced that the birth of Jesus would be honored on this day...the announcement also allowed some of the older festivies (such as feasting, dancing and the exchange of gifts) to be incorporated into the observance of Christmas. The use of greenery to decorate homes continued to be prohibited as pagan idolatory but, over the centuries, this too became an accepted custom of the festivies.

In Colonial America there were no Christmas celebrations. As recently as 100 years or so ago, such observances were declared illegal in many parts of the United States, including most of New England, being defined as pagan and a reproach to the Lord. (Today, it is against the law in some areas to display any Christmas symbols that are not pagan in nature...the erecting of nativity scenes, for example, are banned in some regions of America. Ironically, New England being one such area).

In Puritan Massachusetts, anyone caught observing the holiday was obliged to pay a fine. Connecticut also enacted a law forbidding the celebration of Christmas...and the baking of mincemeat pies. A few of the earliest settlers, however, did celebrate Christmas, but it was far from a common holiday during the Colonial era.

Prior to the American Civil War, the North and South were divided on the issue of Christmas as much as they were on the question of slavery. Many Northerners considered it sinful to celebrate Christmas since Thanksgiving was a much more appropriate holiday. In the South, however, Christmas played an important role in the social season. Perhaps not surprisingly, the first three American States to declare Christmas a legal holiday were located in the South: Alabama in 1836; and Louisiana and Arkansas, both in 1838.

In the years following the Civil War, Christmas traditions began to filter across the country. Children's books played a vital role in spreading the customs of Christmas celebrations, particularly the tradition of trimmed trees and gifts delivered by Santa Claus. Sunday School Classes encouraged participation in such celebrations. The emergence of women's magazines also played an important part in promoting the festival of Christmas, by suggesting various ways to decorate for the holidays, as well as supplying instructions on how to make such decorations.

The colors most often associated with Christmas decorating are green, red, white, blue, silver and gold. These colors have been used for centuries and, as with most traditions, the reason may be traced to religious beliefs. In this instance, green represents everlasting life, red represents the bloodline of Jesus Christ, blue represents the sky from which the angels appeared, white represents the purity of the Virgin Birth, and silver and gold represent the richness of God's Blessings.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Cupid The Reindeer. Santa Claus Reindeer Facts

Cupid The Reindeer. Santa Claus Reindeer Facts
Visit The Santa Claus House - Get Letters From Santa

You would think that being one of the reindeer that pulls the sleigh for Santa Claus would keep a reindeer very very busy. And it does. But good ol' Cupid still finds time to play the great "Reindeer Romantic."

He loves to create reindeer crushes and romances for reindeer all over the world, not just the team at the North Pole. He has personally been matchmaker to 1043 reindeer couples in the last year. But the romance he is most interested in is his own. And it is quite a romantic tale.

One day, a long long time ago, Cupid was flying along solo, just loosening up and practicing some roof landings about a week or so before Christmas. Suddenly he glimpsed a herd of reindeer trainees on a training flight. He could tell, because reindeer-in-training wear super bright yellow vests and have flashing lights on their antlers. (It's kind of the same idea that driving schools use on their cars.)

The herd of reindeer trainees was dashing through the snow off the eastern border of Lapland when, WHOOOOOSH!... it hit a huge updraft that sent the team out of control and upside down, heading right for the side of dreaded Ouch Mountain!

Cupid made a speed dive and grabbed the reins of the lead reindeer, gently guiding the team back under control. When Cupid had safely landed the team, a young girl reindeer named Vixen rushed over to him. Cupid was the bravest reindeer she had ever met and she fell head over hooves for him.

They have been hitched for over 200 years now!

Santa Claus Questions. All About Santa Claus

Santa Claus Questions. All About Santa Claus


1. What if there is no chimney?

If a house does not have a chimney, then Santa uses some of his magic dust to make a chimney appear. Then the chimney disappears as soon as Santa leaves.

2. What if we move?

Santa knows how to find all children on Christmas Eve.

3. What if there is no snow?

A lot of places do not have snow at Christmas time; it doesn't keep Santa from coming.

4. How will Santa find me if we are visiting and not at our home on Christmas Eve?

Santa knows how to find all children on Christmas Eve.

5. How do the reindeer fly?

They eat special corn that makes them fly.

6. How does Santa understand all the different languages of the world?

Some call it magic, others just think Santa is very, very smart.

7. What's Santa's favorite food?

Santa's most favorite is cookies, but he'll eat just about anything that you like and that you leave for him on Christmas Eve.

8. Is there any food Santa doesn't eat?

Santa won't eat venison (reindeer) burgers.

9. How much does Santa weigh?

A little more than he should, but he stays healthy with all his exercise.

10. What are the elves' jobs?

They make toys, care for the reindeer, wrap presents, help in the kitchen, clean--they all work together to make the Northpole a clean and comfortable place to live.

11. What is Santa's favorite Christmas Eve snack?

He does love cookies, but if you leave something for him that YOU like, he will like it just because you do.

12. How does Santa visit the whole world in one night?

The time zones help, but so do the reindeer and Santa's special magic.

13. How does Santa get all the toys into the sleigh at one time?

Actually, his red toy sack is magical in that it is bottomless and continues to stay full until Santa has made all his deliveries to all the children around the world.

14. How does Santa get up and down my chimney?

He holds the left side of his nose and shrinks to the size of the chimney--then, holds right side of his nose to expand back to his rather large size.

15. What if there is a fire burning in the fireplace?

He'll put the fire out so he can come down safely and will relight it when leaving your house.

16. Does Santa have any children?

Yes, Santa considers all the children in the world part of his family.

17. Will Santa always bring what I ask for?

Sometimes Santa thinks that what you ask for may not be the best gift for you, so he may give you something you will enjoy better.

18. Where does Santa get his red suit?

Mrs. Claus sews it for him.

19. Does bad weather make it hard for Santa to drive his sleigh?

Santa uses his North Pole Frosty-Weather-Reader-Meter, so he is always prepared, even for the worst of storms.

20. Does Santa have any hobbies?

His most favorite hobby is playing games of any sort--plus he likes trying out all the new toys.

21. Why is Santa's suit red?

So he won't get lost in the snow.

22. Is there really a Santa Claus?

Santa Claus is real to the people who believe he is real.

23. How did the reindeer get their names?

Santa named them, with help from the elves

24. Why does Santa live at the Northpole?

It is isolated, so he won't be disturbed while making his toys.

25. Is Santa ever sad?

He gets sad when good boys and girls behave badly.

26. Which is Santa's favorite elf?

Santa loves all the elves equally; they're like his children!

27. How many elves are there?

There are an unlimited number of elves because it takes a lot of help to keep the northpole maintained and the presents made every year.

28. What is Santa's favorite kind of music?

He is very partial to Christmas music.

29. What kind of treats do the reindeer like?

They like to eat carrots and sugar cubes.

30. Does Santa really read the letters he gets?

Yes, each and every one.