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NNSL Photo

Lukisha Kaludjak, 6, passes on her Christmas wish list to Santa as Wager Tatty, 3, snuggles in close to the Jolly Old Elf at the Rankin Inlet airport. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Here comes Santa Claus

Darrell Greer
Northern News Services


Rankin Inlet (Dec 18/02) - He may have swapped his eight tiny reindeer for one very large jet, but that didn't stop kids in Rankin Inlet from turning out in droves for Santa's visit to their community this past week.

The terminal building was filled to capacity with excited kids and their parents.

Adrenaline levels came perilously close to overload when Jolly Old St. Nick's flight was delayed for about 45 minutes.

Christmas carols echoed around the terminal as Santa's plane finally touched down.

The carols gave way to piercing squeals of excitement as the man in the familiar red suit exited the plane and made his way inside.

Each youngster received a treat bag, and those brave enough climbed up on Santa's knee to pass on their Christmas wish list.

Proud parents snapped pictures and rolled videotape as the Jolly Old Elf's belly shook with laughter over some of the requests being whispered in his ear.

Santa's annual visit comes courtesy of Canadian North.

After his reindeer take Santa to the nearest airport from the North Pole, the airline transports him to communities across Nunavut and the NWT.

Canadian North employee Randy Miller of Rankin Inlet says the airline has been delivering Santa to Northern kids for the past several years.

He says it's fun to watch the excitement generated by St. Nick's visit to the communities.

"Santa's visit is always a fun time in the community and everybody seems to love it," says Miller.

"We take Santa across the North from Inuvik to Yellowknife, Rankin to Iqaluit, and a number of other communities during a three- or four-day span."

The rows of kids waiting for Santa continues to grow every year.

Miller says it was a good thing Santa had his elves increase the number of treat bags this year, because he barely had enough to go around.

Each of the treat bags contained pictures to colour, a note pad, chewing gum, caramel corn, chocolate candy and little toys.

"It's nice to help Santa spread some early Christmas cheer.

"We (Canadian North) look forward to bringing Santa to the kids every year."