Focus on China

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Trackers of Sector 2,

A review of our sector and the reports and information so far received this year shows a real lack of depth for China.

We know there are not a TON of believers in China. However, it is the most populous country in the world and there are more believers there than many realize. For the record, we have more than 250,000 freelance and North Pole trackers there. So we CAN do better.

If you’re there and available we can use the following reports as soon as you can get them in FROM ANY CHINESE CITY:

Thank you for your help!

Tracker Check-in Scheduled

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Attentional All Tracker Elves in All Sectors,

We are pleased and excited to announce that Tracker Elf check-ins will begin on the following schedule:

(All dates and hours are local time)

Sector 1: December 22nd at 11:00pm Fiji Time
Sector 2: December 22nd at 7:00pm Turkmenistan Time
Sector 3: December 22nd at 8:00pm Iceland Time
Sector 4: December 22nd at 10:00pm Aruba Time
Sector 5: December 22nd at 9:30pm Eastern Time

You need not check-in at these precise times. These are just times we want check-ins to being in each sector. Please do not do so before the times listed above. This is VERY important.

We prefer all elves to check-in within 24 hours of the times listed above.

Check-ins are just the first of many things we anticipate needing from trackers. Launch time weather around the world looks problematic so the first half of Santa’s flight is expected to be very active.

Please keep an eye on your Sector News page. If you don’t know how to find your sector news page, please comment below.

Thanks!

Hackers Target Sector 4

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Greetings from the Regional Tracking Center in Aruba,

It appears today is our turn. After enjoying a quiet weekend our servers here at the Regional Tracking Center are under siege. Fortunately, and thanks to safeguards put in place by North Pole Security, the worse thing that has happened so far is a slight slow down in how our Internet here is working.

We are still receiving reports from trackers and the flow of information and communication from North Pole Flight Command appears uninterrupted.

We are experiencing some issues related to solar activity up in Greenland. That’s more of a localized situation, and the expert tell us it is not related to our hack attempts coming out of China.

At this present time, I do not have any new reporting needs to request of you.

You can anticipate that come late Wednesday of this week the call for more Weather Reports will likely increase.

Please keep your eye on the news. There are rumblings that elf check-in for tracking Santa may be moved up a little this year. We should learn more on our Elf Supervisor call with Flight Command tomorrow.

Thanks!

Power Lost at Sector 2 HQ

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Greetings from Turkmenistan, where here at the Regional Tracking Center we are operating now on back-up generators. Power went out a few hours ago and local authorities are working to restore it.

We have been told this is due to a “computer glitch”, not some physical event such as a storm or a traffic accident.

The immediate question, which has not been answered, is whether or not this is related to the hacks taken against SantaTrackers.net and Sector 5 servers. North Pole Security says it is highly likely.

We have been told efforts have been ongoing to improve back-end security for all computers in Sectors 1, 3 and 4 now as a result.

Back-up generators will keep us in business up to 72-hours. We will maintain normal operations in the mean time but we are under advisory from North Pole Flight Command to take restrictive measures if our power outage lasts longer than 24 hours. Therefore, arrangements have been made with Sector 3 to re-direct reports through so that North Pole Flight Command does not lose data needed for Santa’s flight. The SS Frosty, headed for the Bay of Bengal, will also serve in the same way if needed.

For Trackers in Sector 2 please continue with your usual reporting. Check in frequently for updates. We’ll keep you posted.

Sector 5 Servers Attacked

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Trackers of Sector 5,

I know you may be tired of hearing of server and computer issues but we have more to report. Our servers for the Regional Tracking Center here in Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada have been under attack most of the day.

The attack hit during the chat with Santa on Saturday. It immediately knocked us offline and delayed reporting through-out the sector for about an hour. We had to switch to emergency satellite Internet to stay in contact with North Pole Flight Command.

Those back-up protocols made it so we could stay in business but it showcases what a frail existence it is for us. It also shows how we depend on Flight Command and other sectors in an emergency.

I don’t know entirely how it works but when we were able to report our issues to North Pole Flight Command they immediately routed incoming data from our sector through Sectors 2 and 4 – thus ensuring the ongoing stream of information was uninterrupted.

Also, as a precaution, we contacted the SS Tannenbaum, who relayed critical information on our behalf to North Pole Flight Command and set up an emergency “phone bridge” between us. They talked us through the whole situation.

Tonight, some 14 hours after this event started, we have finally started to see a decrease in server traffic and are starting to restore normal operations.

Please understand these technical difficulties are not a result of misconfiguration or mistakes on the part of our technical teams. These are attacks that appear to be coming out of China and Iran. North Pole Security has been working around the clock to determine who is doing it and why.

With Santa’s instructions in hand, I want you to know that right now we could use some fresh information specifically from Sector 5:

  1.  Please stay on top of weather. It appears the Canadian and US West regions will be dry over the next week, except for coastal areas. But we are not confident of East Coast weather patterns. Special note to Elf Weather Tracking: Elf Seymour Snow says he has no way to contact you. But as our weather analyst in Sector 5 if you could take it upon yourself to update via a weather report what you are hearing about the US and Canada East Coast regions at least once a day, that would be helpful right now.
  2. I’m working on official check-in instructions for later this week with Flight Command. We do not want to begin those too early. Because Christmas Eve is on a Sunday this year we know this means a lot of elves have family commitments and will be tracking by mobile device. Just so you know, I’ve asked for early check-in, but I’m getting some resistance on that. I’ll keep you updated on what is decided.
  3.  Someone asked about the status of the roof and chimney inspections. From what we can tell of reporting the past couple of months, we have a roughly 61% completion rate. That’s actually an improvement. That means 6 of 10 homes have updated information about roofs or chimneys. Please, if you can add any new roof or chimney information for those that have NOT been reported this year, please try to get them in as soon as possible. There is no need to update roof or chimney situations that you have already reported on this year.

Thank you all for your good work. I’ll do my best to keep you posted. If you have questions please post them in the comments below.

Santa Gives Last Instructions

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Santa Claus visited Elf Chat with one week to go until launch. He addressed several topics and made an announcement. This post is being made to share the transcript of the chat and to emphasize some things Santa did not have time to discuss.

Here are the highlights:

  • Santa talked about website issues and the affects of hackers on North Pole websites.
  • Santa discussed why community features will not be fixed until after Christmas.
  • Santa talked about the need to focus on the mission with just 7 days to go.
  • Santa reported on the good standing of tracker elves and what needs to be done in the next 7 days.

The work of trackers this week moves forward. Specific needs will be posted by the Elf Supervisors. For now, this is what you can be doing.

  1.  Watch for news here on SantaTrackers.net, SantaUpdate.com and NorthPoleFlightCommand.com
  2.  Respond to whatever your Elf Supervisor requires
  3.  Ask questions via the comments below any news article
  4.  Do NOT take tracker business to social media
  5.  You can share official North Pole news via links only
  6.  Look for as many ways to help others as possible
  7.  Be a friendly resource to those who know little about how Santa and the North Pole actually work
  8.  Check in frequently to see what’s new

In terms of what is expected over the coming days, please be aware that:

  • Sunday is typically an off-day. Because December 24th falls on a Sunday for most areas, tomorrow is the last day off for all elves for a while.
  • Flight Command is putting assets in place, starting today. The North Pole Navy is repositioning and Operation Airlift sleighs and warehouses are now on the move.
  • North Pole Flight Command is operating 24-hours per day. Expect news from them at any time.
  • The back-up team of reindeer will be named some time this week. The list of starting reindeer is not expected until December 23rd.
  • Tracker Elf check-in process will likely begin on Thursday. Your Elf Supervisor will let you know.
  • Last minute tracker reports, especially related to local weather, are expected. Please check in frequently.

Here is the transcript of Santa’s chat today:

Elf Crash MurphyLet me remind you that this chat is for tracker elves only. And it’s for discussing the business at hand in tracking Santa
Elf Crash MurphyThat means we are not here to ask Santa about your Christmas wish list, your personal situation or stuff related to him coming to your house.
Elf CrusaderUnderstood
Elf Snow ballok
Elf Crash MurphyI will have a question or two for Santa, and I think he may want to say a few things before we open up for your questions.
Elf Lil CreamGot it Crash!
Elf Crash MurphyIf you want a turn asking Santa a question, please let me know and I’ll let you know when to ask it.
Elf CrusaderYes sir!
Elf Crash MurphyWe want everyone to get a shot at it, so please help us keep things in order
Elf Snow ballhow do we let you know?
Elf weather trackerHi Crash
Elf Crash MurphyAs a reminder, we only have Santa for about 30 minutes or so. He’s kinda busy these days. He’s giving us 30 minutes or about half of his lunch break to be here today.
Elf Crash MurphyHi Elf Weather Tracker
Elf Crash MurphySant should be here in a minute
Elf UlanOkay, Elf Crash!
Elf Snow ballhow do we let you know if we have question?
Elf weather trackerI do have a question for Santa Crash
Elf Crash MurphyJust say, “I’d like to ask a question”, then I’ll call on you when it is your turn.
ElfcandycaneHi
Elf Snow ball‘@Elf Crash Murphy: how do we tell you if we have a question?
Elf Crash MurphyOk, Santa is here with us now. Thank you Santa for taking a break from the children to meet with us today
Elf CrusaderWhat if i just say I have a question
SantaThanks, Crash! Hi everyone!
Elf Snow ballHello santa!
Elf UlanHello, Santa!!!
SantaBefore we get started Crash, I just wanted to say something.
Elf weather trackerHi Santa
Elf Lil CreamHello!
SantaA big thanks to Elf Max for giving a place for us to chat today. Poor Max didn’t get a minute of sleep last night. He’s a real hero
Elf Snow ballthankyou elf maxaaa
SantaI know what’s going on with the website could not be worse timing for us. But we’ll get through it. I want us all to stay focused on our mission.
Elf UlanYes, Thank you so much, Elf Max!
SantaElf Crash made the right call in not letting Max get the community back up. It’s inconvenient, but we can do the job without it this week.
Elf Snow ball‘@Santa: how are you?
Elf Crash MurphyThanks, Santa. And yes, THANK YOU Elf Max
ElfcandycaneThank you so much elf max
Elf Jingle Bells 🎄hi everybody!
Elf Crash MurphySanta, I know there’s a lot of people here and they have questions. But I want to ask you a few things first.
SantaOk, Crash. Yes, I worry about how many are here. We’ll try to get to everyone.
Elf Crash MurphySince yesterday I’ve been hit with a lot of questions about the hackers and how this COULD affect Operation Merry Christmas. What’s your take on all this?
SantaFirst of all, we are in extraordinary times. The North Pole is certainly not the only people dealing with server attacks, Crash. We have faced this in previous years, so it is not new
Elf Snow balli have question
SantaWe are, like most, more dependent upon the Internet for a lot of things.
SantaBut I want eveyrone to remember something. We operated for hundreds of years without it. I’ve got reindeer, who are not tied to anything computer or cyber, and we’re on the job.
SantaThings are going to be just fine.
Elf Snow ballthat is inspireing
SantaThat being said, there isn’t a single North Pole website or network or computer that has not been affected. It’s everywhere and we have worse problems than SantaTrackers.net
Elf Snow ballsorry, i know i mis spelled that
Elf Jingle Bells 🎄hi, i was wondering, what does it take to be on the radio news? that’s my goal, is to be on there at some point.
SantaBut, North Pole Security is on the job, as well as guys like Elf Max, and we’re ok. I launch in a week and we remain on track
SantaI would like to announce something, however,
Elf weather trackerI have a few questions
SantaBased on the outcome of the test flights, as well as issues related to all this, I have ordered an end to the test flights for now and they are coming home immediately
Elf Snow ballaw
SantaElf Roger will post an announcement with more details on NorthPoleFlightCommand.com later today or tonight
Elf Crash MurphyWow, that’s early. Will there still be a final test flight in the hours before you launch?
SantaYes, Crash. And I expect you to be on that flight.
Elf Crash MurphyYes sir.
SantaOk, Crash. Let’s start with the questions.
Elf Crash MurphyOk, Elf Weather Tracker, you’re up first. What is your question for Santa?
Elf Jingle Bells 🎄i have a question
Elf CrusaderI have a question
Elf Jingle Bells 🎄sorry
Elf Crash MurphyElf Jingle Bells, I’ll let you know
Elf weather trackerI was wondering how your Walkabout went?
Elf Crash MurphyElf Crusader, I’ll let you know
Elf UlanI’d like to ask a question too
Elf CrusaderUnderstood
SantaWalkabout was wonderful. It always is. I learned a great deal and I’m glad I went. I think the world is a bit rougher of a place this year and I don’t think I would have learned that if I didn’t go on Walkabout
Elf Crash MurphyElf Jingle Bells, please ask your question
Elf Ashantihi santa
Elf WestoverMADE IT
Elf Jingle Bells 🎄sorry, what does it take to be on the news radio?
Elf WestoverMy Gosh
Elf Crash MurphyHello, please wait to ask your question of Santa
Elf Jingle Bells 🎄its one of my goals for being an elf
Elf WestoverHi Santa Its Been Awhile Since We’ve Talked
SantaNorth Pole News? That’s a question for Elf Frank Myrrh. I think they are always looking for new talent, Elf Jingle Bells. Elf Ed Zachary is another elf you could ask.
Elf Crash MurphyElf Crusader, ask your question please
Elf WestoverThats True
Elf Crash MurphyElf Ulan, get ready, it’s your turn after Elf Crusader
Elf WestoverI’ll Ask My Questions Soon
Elf Ashantisanta i will be at my cousin house this year her name is jaiya the one i was asking you about her letter
Elf Snow balli have a question
Elf Jingle Bells 🎄thank you santa.
Elf Crash MurphyElf Westover, please hold your comments
Elf CrusaderSanta, what are you doing for people who are struggling this year?
Elf Crash MurphyElf Ashanti, not appropriate question for this chat
SantaElf Crusader, thank you for that important question.
Elf WestoverWill Do Crash
Elf Ashantii am sorry elf crash
Elf CrusaderOf course sir
SantaWe are doing as much as we can. That’s part of what I was doing on Walkabout, to help organize those efforts. We have had food drives, coat collections and fund raisers going in many places.
Elf weather trackerI have another question
Elf Sugar CookieI have to leave early but appreciate all of you very much for doing this. I hope to be present for Elf Crash’s chat next week.
SantaI don’t know if we can meet all the needs. Frankly, it’s been many years we have seen it like this.
Elf WestoverWonderful Santa! I Hope It Turns Out Perfectly!
SantaWe are working with a lot of churches, school groups, even some military units. The hard part is reaching people we don’t know about.
Elf CrusaderThank you for answering Santa
Elf Crash MurphyElf Ulan, your turn, what’s your question for Santa?
Elf Crash MurphyElf Snowball, your question will be after Elf Ulan
Elf UlanElf Crash, can I have a chance to ask a question to Santa?
Elf Snow ball‘@Elf Crash Murphy:    i have a question
Elf UlanOh, thank you, Elf Crash!
Elf Crash MurphyThank you, Elf Sugar Cookie
Elf Lil CreamI also have a question when there is time. Thanks!
Elf Crash MurphyGo ahead, Elf Ulan
Elf Westover‘@Elf Crash Murphy: can I Have The Next Question?
Elf Crash MurphyElf Ulan, your question please
Elf Crash MurphyElf Snowball, please ask your question
Elf Crash MurphyElf Lil Cream, please post your question for Santa
Elf Snow ballwhen will the cummunity featurs be put back up?
Elf Lil CreamWith the technology being targeted from the North Pole, is that going to affect the reports sent in? And is there anything we can do to ensure we are helping as much as possible during the next few days?
Elf Lil CreamWith the technology being targeted from the North Pole, is that going to affect the reports sent in? And is there anything we can do to ensure we are helping as much as possible during the next few days?
Elf Ashantihow much time is left in the chat
Elf UlanSanta, thank you always for everything.  Do you have a theme for this Christmas Eve? And How’s Vixen?
Elf Westover10 Minutes
Elf Ashantithank you elf westover
SantaElf Snowball, the community features will likely NOT be put back up til after Christmas. I’ve ask Elf Crash to keep you focused on tracking and reporting to North Pole Flight Command. I know Elf Max has worked hard and will continue to work hard, but that stuff isn’t important right now
Elf Snow ballok, thankyou
Elf WestoverAmazing!
Elf WestoverSanta May I Say Something?
SantaElf Lil Cream, no, reporting has not been affected. And those reports have not slowed down. What I worry about is getting communication from the Elf Supervisors out to the Trackers. They will just have to post more news, which they have all said they will do.
SantaYour job as trackers is to stay active on the site, absorbing the news as much as you can. Your Elf Supervisors will tell you what is needed.
Elf WestoverWill Do Santa
Elf Lil CreamThank you Santa, I’ll keep an eye out for news
SantaElf Ulan – a theme? The theme is Merry Christmas! And Vixen….I will get to see her for a brief time tomorrow. I don’t like making her fly on a day off, and tomorrow is a day off, but I need to see her. I am hopeful she can make it this year.
Elf Crash MurphyGo ahead and ask your question Elf Westover
Elf WestoverWe All Have Hope For Vixen
Elf Crash MurphyElf Weather Tracker, we can take your next question too
Elf WestoverSanta Do You remember The Three Years Ago When We First Chatted?
Elf weather trackerWhen will I hear from Elf Seymour snow?
Elf Westover“Damon Westover
SantaIf I recall, Elf Westover, that was a chat that you and your brother were on, right? Golly, has it been 3 years??
Elf Westoveryes And Now I Get To Chat With You!\
SantaElf Weather Tracker, I didn’t know you were supposed to hear from Elf Seymour. I’ll have him reach out to you.
Elf weather trackerThank you Santa
Elf UlanThank you, Santa! I wanted to have the same mind with you during your flight. And I hope Vixen will get well and fly with you [link src=”too.XD”]
Elf Westover4 More Minutes Now
SantaI know, Elf Westover. I wish I had more time to chat with everyone. There are just so many people and only one of me!
SantaElf Ulan, you and I are always of the same mind!
Elf WestoverMaybe Sometime This Year You Can Write Mye And Us a letter We Would Love That
Elf Crash MurphySanta do you know the weather forecast yet for Christmas Eve?
Elf WestoverIf Possible
Elf Lil CreamNo worries Santa! Thank you for making time to chat today
Elf WestoverI Think I Do
Elf Ashantithank you for being able to chat with us santa
Elf WestoverFor My Place
SantaCrash, yes, we expect white out conditions at the North Pole. Won’t affect us though
SantaElf Westover, we’ll have to see about that. Maybe after Christmas
Elf UlanAww, Santa! Thank you so much! I’m so touched to hear that from you!XD
SantaElf Ashanti – thanks for being here. And yes, I got your letter, just so you know.
Elf Crash MurphyHow does Santa spend his last week before Christmas Eve?
Elf WestoverIt Will Have Sunny Day With 40 Degrees Farinheight In Salt Lake Santa
Elf WestoverGetting Ready For Christmas
SantaI am trying to meet face to face with as many children as possible, Crash. The lines are quite long no matter where I go.
Elf Ashantii know this is not a important question but where you able to get jaiya letter santa
Elf Snow ballthat’s great
Elf WestoverI Havent Seen You In Utah Quite Yet Sir
Elf Crash MurphyElf Westover, you may get snow in Salt Lake on Christmas. I haven’t had an update, but I have a feeling
SantaI’m hearing the same, Crash
Elf WestoverYeah We’ve Had That Before But Just So You Know Crash
Elf weather trackerI have to go, bye Santa
SantaIt is important, and yes, I got Jaiya’s many letters. Did you know about them all Ashanti?
Elf WestoverBut I Am So Excited I’ve Believed In You For My Whole Life!
SantaThank you, Damon
Elf Ashantino sir she did not tell me about her letters
Elf Crash MurphyAny other last questions for Santa?
Elf WestoverI’m a True Believer. I Have Been Told By My Family
SantaTrust me, Elf Ashanti – okay?
Elf Snow balli have a question
Elf Ashantiof course santa
Elf Crash MurphyThank you all for being here with us today. Santa, last words of instructions for us. You launch in just a week!
Elf WestoverSee You Next Year Santa
Elf WestoverI Do
SantaYes, this week ahead of us could get a little crazy.
Elf Snow ballwait i have a question
SantaI need my elves to keep their heads. Be calm. Be positive with others.
Elf Ashantihave a wonderful day santa and merry Christmas
Elf Crash MurphyGo ahead Elf Snowball
Elf Lil CreamThank you Santa for all you do, and checking in with us. Safe travels and Merry Christmas!
Elf WestoverSanta Did You HAve red Hair When You Were Younger?
Elf Snow ballwhat do you do if everyone in your friend group says santa isn’t real but you believe in santa
Elf UlanThank you so much, Santa! I’m always so delighted to work for you. Happy birthday month and I’ll prepare Wagyu for you this year too! XD
SantaThis is a different Christmas. We are working to make it merry for people in any way that we can. So stay focused, and be prepared to help others as much as possible
Elf WestoverWill Do Santa
SantaYes, I had red hair. Doesn’t everyone when they are young?
Elf Snow ballwhat do you do if everyone in your friend group says santa isn’t real but you believe in santa
SantaElf Snowball, you let them believe whatever they want. Don’t let others spoil what you know to be true. Thank you for believing in me.
Elf WestoverI Really Wish Someday I can Work Their And Track Santa!
SantaWagyu!!! YUMMMMM!!!
Elf Snow ball‘@Santa:  thankyou. i will do
Elf WestoverSanta I’m Also Making The Feast This Year!
SantaThank you, elves. And Merry Christmas!
Elf Ashantithe cookies and milk will be on the table santa
Elf Crash MurphyThanks, Santa.
Elf Snow balland of cource i believe in you.
Elf WestoverMerry Christmas!
Elf UlanYes! Did you eat it last year I gave you?
SantaI’ll look for them Elf Ashanti
Elf WestoverTravel Safe Santa
ElfcandycaneThanks Santa and merry Christmas
SantaBye everyone!
Elf Snow ballthank you santa,  MERRY CHRISTMAS
Elf Lil CreamMerry Christmas Santa!
Elf Snow ballbye!
SantaCrash, next week’s chat will be really important. I’ll message you.
Elf WestoverI Got Santa Something Last Year To! Lots Of Chocolate For You And Mrs. Claus
Elf Crash MurphyYes, sir. I’ll be on it.
SantaBYe all!

Community Site Issues and What to Do About It

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Trackers, on Friday we experienced some technical issues with the website. A combination of events are responsible, namely:

  1.  The site has been under attack from hackers who are determined to interrupt Santa’s operations this year
  2.  Routine security updates, designed to thwart hackers, have interfered with certain site features.

Elf Max has been working with developers and programmers to address the issues and thanks to their good efforts the site has remained “up”.

However, there are still many problems to work through, especially with certain community functions such as loading posts on the Elf Wall. It’s a terrible time to have these kinds of issues, with Santa’s launch just a week away.

In order to keep our focus on the job at hand of tracking Santa for Santa, I have asked Elf Max to disable the community functions of the site. For now, access to the Elf Wall, Elf Groups, Elf profiles and Elf messaging has been suspended. 

This week is too important to implement changes that may take several days to work through and could interrupt with the business of tracking Santa for Santa. After all, this is by far our most critical week of the year.

We can still, without issue, do the following:

  1. The chat with Santa today is still scheduled and can be held in Elf Chat.
  2. Each Elf Supervisor, myself and Elf Max can still post news and updates.
  3. We can track Santa for Santa despite not having all community features on the site working.

Elf Max, Elf Moe, and all of the Elf Supervisors remain at their stations to answer your questions and deliver critical news.

PLEASE USE THE COMMENT BOXES BELOW THE POSTED NEWS TO COMMUNICATE FOR NOW. 

If you cannot read the news, send in reports, or otherwise follow along with what needs to be done, please use the site support page to communicate your needs to Elf Max and team.

Thanks!

Test Flights Cancelled in Sector 2

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Trackers of Sector 2, I was just notified by North Pole Flight Command that test flights will not be heading west from their present location in Sector 2. They will instead be headed in the opposite direction – EAST.

This is due in part to the lack of adverse weather conditions in our sector. That, as well as issues involving civil unrest and military priorities in some areas of our sector, Flight Command has determined a better and safer course of action will be to go in another direction.

I’ve also been told that the scope of the test flight plan has changed and this was also a factor in this decision. Please keep an eye on the North Pole Flight Command website for further information and announcements.

While we will not now have test flights over our sector any time soon we remain focused on Santa’s mission and gathering information for that flight some 20 days from now. Keep the reports coming, gang!

Stocking Mail is NOT for Tracking

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At some point in the upcoming weeks there will be a conversation over at SantaUpdate.com about Stocking Mail. It usually generates confusion.

Unfortunately that confusion starts here in the tracker elf community.

So we wanted to put something out about it now so that mistakes can be avoided in the weeks ahead.

The North Pole Post Office is charged with getting Santa his mail, no matter where he is and no matter what date, time or place it may be.

Most of the time that is best handled online. Yes, many still write hand-written letters. But as time and technology has advanced messaging for Santa comes in many forms: texts, emails, messages, faxes, etc.

Several years ago the North Pole Research and Development Department invented a ground-breaking new messaging system we call Stocking Mail. When implemented the system uses a Christmas stocking as kind of a portal. If a note is put in the stocking at the right time when the system is engaged that message gets transmitted to the North Pole Post Office and thus to Santa.

Pretty cool, right?

Well, here’s what you need to understand about it.

  1. It’s not perfect. It can only handle paper. If things are written on plastic or cloth or something else it doesn’t work. Some have tried to send Santa other things via stocking mail, like cookies or food for the reindeer. That stuff doesn’t work either. In fact it all gums up the system.
  2. It only works when the system is turned on. Turning it on is a complex process that requires special facilities, lots of technical equipment and thousands of elves. For the reason, it only gets turned on for a brief period of time each year. Usually, when Elf Hugo contacts Santa to say that time or other resources are running low to keep other messaging options flowing, that is when Stocking Mail is activated. It does not get activated until and unless Santa approves it.
  3. Stocking Mail is NOT for transmitting any kind of information except messages for Santa. It could be a wish list or some sort of note for Santa – but that’s it. It is NOT for sending tracking information for Flight Command. Don’t do it. They will never see it. You must communicate with North Pole Flight Command as directed at SantaTrackers.net.

We want all tracker elves to know and understand the proper use of Stocking Mail. You should be prepared to explain it to “normies” out there when it is activated come December 23rd and December 24th.

Of course, the News Department at the North Pole will do their part in trying to communicate how it all works. But you know that people don’t read everything we put out. Sometimes you just have to tell them.

Stocking Mail is most useful for the little ones. They will frequently change their minds about what they want for Christmas. Or, they will remember something at the last minute that they just want Santa to know. This is why Stocking Mail was invented.

If properly used and implemented, Stocking Mail will transmit information to Santa from any stocking anywhere in the world directly to him, even while he is on the sleigh. Frequently, Stocking Mail isn’t even utilized until Santa has taken off from the North Pole.

Have questions? As them here, in the comments below or on the Elf Wall. We want everyone to understand this.

Local Christmas Report Needed

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Good evening, Sector 1 Elves!

North Pole Flight Command has passed along the news that Santa would like a fresh Local Christmas Report from Sector 1, especially for areas of Australia and New Zealand.  There are concerns that maybe the Christmas spirit is weak in those countries.

I think this is the first time they have asked us for this information so far this year. I also hear there might be some concerns brewing in Japan, Guam and also Samoa. I’ll keep you posted on that.

In looking at our general reports overall, we’re up by about 3% – which isn’t bad for this time of the season. We are seeing an upsurge in new elf sign-ups in our sectors and it usually takes a few days for them to get reports flowing.

But so far, so good this year.

Also be aware that Flight Command has told us the test flights are coming to our sector in the next few days. I’m not sure where. But eyes up! If we can get in a few sleigh sighting reports, that would be AWESOME.

Thanks!

Air Traffic Report Requested

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Hi gang!

First of all, thank you for all the kind notes and well wishes. I’m feeling much better. Had just a touch of a weird flu, but doing okay now.

And Happy Operation Merry Christmas! We’re eating a fabulous red cake with white frosting, made by Elf Marky here in the RTC in Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada. Marky loves Operation Merry Christmas and always decorates the office here for this day. It’s fun.

Anyway, I got in today to find a strange request from North Pole Flight Command for our sector. They want us to do an Air Traffic Report sometime this weekend.

Frankly, I thought this was a mistake. My thought was that someone up there was thinking it is December 24th, not November 24th. So I called them and sure enough they put this request in today, November 24th. They really DO want us to do an air traffic report.

I’ve never seen them ask for one of these so early. This report is normally to help warn Santa of weird stuff flying around when he’s out and about on Christmas Eve. But that’s not what this specific request is about.

North Pole Flight Command is testing some new experimental radar system that’s run off of cell towers. Weird stuff. It isn’t a system that is going to be ready soon – a couple of years away is what they told me. But they are testing it this weekend in several areas and they want these reports to see if they can trust the results they are getting in their test.

Basically, if you elves send in observation of what you are seeing in the air space where you are they can compare it to what this new system is reporting.

So, let’s help them out, shall we?

If you have never done an air traffic report before, this will be good practice for you. We usually send out a request for one of these on Christmas Eve when Santa is about ready to enter our sector. So doing it now will get you ready for the real deal next month.

I’m just getting back to the office after being out for a few days. But my plan is to review where we are at and to send out an update to you, likely on Monday. I think we’re in good shape but we have SO MANY new elves and I think we might need to re-organize some things come next week.

Thanks all for your help on this one. The air traffic report can be accessed at this link.

 

How to Get Verified

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As a follow-up to my post about Getting Your Elf Profile Right I wanted to share some information about WHY this is important. There are a few good reasons to get this done right away:

  1. This place is crawling with elves. — Elves from North Pole Flight Command come here all the time to match your reports to your profile. They want to “see” your avatar, maybe read your posts, and understand your personality. If your profile is not complete, that can’t happen.
  2. It keeps things tidy. — Santa runs a tight ship. He doesn’t require much, but a complete profile is one of those things.
  3. It gets you verified, which gets you points. — That little check mark next to your name is pretty cool.

Elf Profile

If you can get this done, everything’s cool. You’ll look good and you will move along in your elf career.

If you don’t get it done you risk having your account “retired”. We go quite a while before we take this step. But honestly, elves who cannot get this done after we’ve asked over and over, well, they really don’t seem to be too interested in being elves, right? So if you drag your feet and just plain don’t do it, we will assume you’re not interested in really being an elf and your account will be “retired”.

What does “retired” mean? It means your account goes into lockdown until your profile is right. After a fairly short amount of time on the retired list, your account gets deleted – never to return. Your elf career will be over. You’ll be done. Forever.

Don’t let your account get retired or deleted. That’s no fun for anyone.

To get verified, we look at your profile to see that all the small requirements above are met. If you miss any of them you don’t get verified. If you don’t get verified, you get retired. We try to verify accounts at least once a week. If you feel you meet the requirements and you’ve waited too long to be verified, just PM me or Max. We’ll jump on it as soon as we can.

Any questions? Please ask. We know that some elves are going to need help and we have plenty of other elves here to get you through it. Any elf trying to do this – and struggling – is not going to be retired. We’ll help you get there.