On top of the world for Christmas

Posted: December 22, 2009

How would you like to meet Santa's reindeers? 

Everyone knows Rudolf but what are the other eight called?*

At this time of the year a visit to Santa Claus and his toy factory can provide a great opportunity to keep the spirit of Christmas alive.

Getting to the North Pole can be a challenge but special passes are available when you book your ticket with Fantasy Travel, the exclusive travel agent set up by Santa Inc to maintain a steady source of cashflow. From any northern hemisphere airport, Fantasy will take you by sky sleigh to Santaland. Fur coats and mittens are recommended.

On arrival the intrepid (and half frozen) travellers are shown to their quarters - an ice cave with cold and colder running water. Early wake up calls are not required as the toy factories are humming 24 hours a day - and your enthusiastic participation is part of the program (or else!).

The minimum recommended stay is 7 days to give you a full appreciation of what really goes on up there. And on that note there has always been some controversy on this issue. Nobody quite knows how to explain the logistics (as we reported last year) but somehow it all comes together on the night.

All travellers are encouraged to bring food for the reindeers. Food for them is scarce at the North Pole and bringing in food ensures the reindeer stay in top condition for the arduous work ahead. By the way, reindeer like grass and spongy mosses and they have a sweet tooth so sugar lumps and chocolate bars would be welcome.

Typically outdoor tasks include feeding reindeer, repair and maintenance of the sleigh and toy sacks and fine tuning electronic navigation equipment. Indoors Mrs Claus organises skilled workers in wrapping presents, tying fancy ribbons and knitting intricately designed woolly hats for the elves. 

For some people seeing is believing. But when it come to Santa it is the other way around, believing is seeing. So if you can't get your head around that one it would be best to stay at home.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, safe and prosperous New Year

PS. The other eight reindeers are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.