NORTH POLE
It seems Nunavummiut children have been very nice this year, as Santa Claus is so busy, the Canadian Rangers are helping him and the elves with last minute preparations.

Starting Christmas Eve, Santa Claus will visit the homes of many children who have been nice this year to deliver their presents. Those signs in Alert, a Canadian Forces station on the northern tip of Ellesmere Island, show just how much travelling Santa does on that day. - Jennifer Geens/NNSL photo

A couple of Rangers dropped by the North Pole to lend a hand after a long flight to Canadian Forces Station Alert on the northern tip of Ellesmere Island, Santa Claus told Nunavut News/North.

Santa said as they were feeding the reindeers, he noticed their red shirts matched Rudolph's nose.

"Not only did the Rangers pitch in to finish making the presents and getting them wrapped up, they were able to fix one of the runners on my sled that was sticking," said Santa. "That would have really slowed me down."

Santa said the elves are busy in the workshop, making toys and other things before Christmas.

"All those letters that Santa receives have to be checked and double checked to make sure we know what is on every child's list," he said.

Vick Aitaok of Cambridge Bay recently visited the North Pole and said she toured Santa's workshop and got to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.

"I saw Santa making toys and this year, he seems to be making a lot of musical toys," the visitor said.

"Santa and Mrs. Claus, they were very tired and they are showing signs of weariness but they're still smiling and very jolly and handling the stress very well."

She also saw the reindeers, and she said they have grown their winter coat, a nice beautiful brown. She added they practise every day to build their endurance and muscles so they can make it through on Christmas Eve.

She even sat in Santa's sleigh.

"He has very fluffy, warm seats. They're red and black," she said. "He's got hand muffs and special extra warmers for his feet."

On Christmas Eve, everyone at the workshop has a big breakfast, said Santa, adding he likes country food and vegetables to get through the day. Before leaving, he added he checks and double checks his naughty and nice list.

As Santa leaves the North Pole on Christmas Eve to travel around the world, going down one chimney after another, eating loads of cookies and drinking lots of milk, he said holds Northern children closest to his heart.

"I love the bannock and apik jam and the reindeer really appreciate the iceberg water," said Santa.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.