Reporting Plan for Sector 4

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Greetings from Christmas Island in Jamaica!

Finally I can announce a reporting plan in our lead up to Santa’s launch. Our sector is so unique that we need to do it two ways: a plan for South America and most of the Atlantic, and another plan for Greenland and the North Atlantic.

First, for everyone in the Sector:

Weather reports: All elves in the sector going forward should send in a weather report each Tuesday from now until December. It will likely change then.

Second, for South America, the Caribbean, and south of the equator in the Atlantic:

Roof Report: It’s Hurricane season, so be careful. We want to get these reports done by the end of September.
Local Christmas Report: Every week on Saturday between now and Halloween. Special request from Santa for some reason.

Third, for Greenland and north of the equator in the Atlantic:

Chimney Inspections: Watch weather conditions, be safe. We have time to get these done but the sooner the better.
Public Observation: This is different than a Local Christmas Report. Another special request from Santa. We need this about every two weeks going forward, your choice of what day of the week.

This is all we need unless the test flights of Santa’s sleigh come back into our sector soon, which I have not heard about.

We’re keeping it simple this year. Be sure to check in at least once a week for breaking news.

Thank you and Merry Christmas.

Santa Tracker Sign Ups Explode

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Almost without explanation and earlier in the season than ever, Elf Flip of North Pole Flip of North Pole Flight Command’s Accounting Department says the number of sign ups for tracker elves is exploding.

“We are not sure yet why these numbers are increasing,” Elf Flip admitted. “We always see a large increase every year around the fall period but that typically doesn’t happen until early to mid-October. This year it is happening now. We’re not sure why.”

The SantaTrackers.net website has not only experienced large-scale renovation but a change in how memberships are processed has actually kept more people out than have accepted them in.

“We have a longer probationary period now to become a North Pole Elf and to participate in the Elf Community online,” Elf Moe, the tracker elf admissions administrator at SantaTrackers.net said. “To get elevated to that status takes time and work and really we’re early in the process for this year. So what we are seeing is an explosion in Junior Tracker elves — newbies — and they are in their probationary period now. Will it lead to a future explosion of North Pole elves as they learn those elf skills and are elevated by the Elf Supervisors? We hope so. That’s the plan.”

The trend is following a general outburst in fresh activity on all Official North Pole websites.

“The interest in Santa and Christmas is intense so far this year,” said Elf Crash Murphy, the International Director of Santa Trackers. “We’re still trying to understand it. It’s been a good year, Operation Merry Christmas has gone very smooth so far, we haven’t had any huge news events to explain it. We’re just seeing a lot of activity early and we think it is good news.”

Some Elf Supervisors are a little nervous about what it can mean. Elf Pinky Yates, Elf Supervisor for Sector 5 covering Central and North America, which is the largest sector in the world of Santa believers, says that test flights concentrated over Sector 5 for much of the month of August could be influencing interest.

“We rarely know where the test flights are going and this year they told us in advance they would be in our skies and then asked us to look for them,” Elf Pinky said. “That has happened at a great time, especially in North America. It’s still summer, so it’s warm and star gazing is a natural part of the summer experience in North America especially. People are already looking up and since we put the word out that they could see a test flight Santa’s sleigh many of them have said they could get into this whole elf thing.”

Elf Flip says the hard numbers won’t be out until sometime in September but he said he expects them to so growth in every sector. Tracking Santa for Santa is going to be very popular this year.

New Sector Lead Announcement

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Hi Elves!

What a cRAZy week it has been. I have known for over a week about our new sector lead but I haven’t been able to announce it because we were waiting for Santa’s approval.

I talked to Elf Crash right away and he, of course, approved immediately. But the rules are that I cannot announce things like this until Santa signs off and he’s been so doggone hard to get a hold of.

Anyway, I finally got a phone call from Santa this morning – and by the morning I mean at 2:25am in the morning (I tell you, the man NEVER sleeps) — and, of course, he said yes and it was actually a very short conversation.

Our new sector lead is Elf Ulan, who resides, as you know, in Japan. I’m so very excited to have this dedicate elf as our Sector Lead. We will have such a good year in Sector 1 with Ulan in this role.

She’s going to start right away. I know you already know that you can ask anything of Elf Ulan and she will help you. She’s an Elf of the Year winner already and she has been with us for a long, long time championing the cause of Santa. We are SO very lucky to have her.

Now, there are other elf supervisors who have new sector leads coming soon. Santa was taking so long I was afraid I would not be the first. Whew!

This gives us a good foundation for moving forward. Thank you, Elf Ulan,  for being a part of my team!

The Need for Sector Leads

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Hello Elves Everywhere –

Even though I am posting this under Sector 2 I think I am wanting and asking all elves everywhere to read what I am saying.

Each week, at least at this point in the season, the Elf Supervisors hold a video conference call, usually on Thursdays. The call comes at different times for each of us because, of course, we are now in our Regional Tracking Centers, all located in the different time zones. This week’s call had me online at 3am my time – and I didn’t know if I just got up super early or went to bed super late.

But I was soon not sleepy when we started talking about hiring new Sector Leads.

We all need a Sector Lead. Each Elf Supervisor is looking for one. That is because Elf Crash and the other powers that be changed the job of Sector Lead a little bit. So we’re all supposed to hire a new Sector Lead.

I’ve never had one in Sector 2.

On our call this week we talked a bit about some of the candidates that we have and others that we would consider.

For example, finding a Sector lead in my sector has long been a challenge. Santa and Crash both encouraged me to “get creative” in finding one.

The new goal of the Sector Lead is to give them a bigger voice in the sector. That means having them run an outside social media channel to reach out to the world. We want them to bring in new believers and make elves of them.

They want to see more pride in our work in each sector. More team building. Better communication of what we do and why we do it as elves.

I have been have good conversations with an elf in China. He’s a freelance elf because in his country he is not allowed to belong to a website requiring a login. Otherwise, he would be here talking with us on the Elf Wall. He’s really wanting to do it but isn’t allowed to. He sends me one-way messages through the report forms and it has only been recent that I have been able to make contact with him via a social media channel.

I think he would be an excellent Sector Lead. But, he wouldn’t be active here on SantaTrackers.net. I like the idea that he would be using a social media app native to his country and his language. I’m curious how many other elves he could recruit just by trying with others in his same situation.

The other Elf Supervisors suggest I talk to Crash and Santa about him.

Frankly, the other Elf Supervisors were a little envious that I have such a strong and willing candidate. They are all searching for the right kind of elf.

One Elf Supervisor said she got a message from a Junior Tracker Elf wanting to be Sector Lead. That normally wouldn’t be considered but this Junior Elf was here a few years ago and is now just coming back. He knows a lot. The Elf Supervisor would HAVE to promote them to North Pole Tracker Elf to become a Sector Lead and that’s being talked about. Junior Tracker Elves should be looking for any way they can to get promoted.

If you are interested in being an Elf Supervisor, applying in fine. But it wouldn’t hurt for you to just message your Elf Supervisor and plead your case. They are wanting to act soon but they don’t want to put the wrong person in the job.

We’re about halfway through August. Things are starting to get interesting for this season.

Sector 3 Reports in August

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Hello Elves of Sector 3! I send you greetings from Christmas Island in Zimbabwe.

I’m watching with great interest the situation with the test flights in Sector 5. I want to see how they handle it because I think in a month or two those flight could be coming our way. If that happens – and I hope we are lucky enough to be chosen – it could impact what we work on during the months of September or October. So I want to be ready.

So…let’s get to work, shall we?

First, I know this could be a month of change for some of you. The seasons are changing in all areas. So, when you get a chance, please check in via an Elf Status report and give me a good idea of how available you might or might not be at this time. I want to give you enough to do but not too much so that you do not feel overwhelmed.

Second, while the weather remains good in most areas, I say we get to work sending in roof reports and chimney inspections.

As always, be very careful doing these reports. Do not get on rooftops to do these reports. Stay safe!

I usually get questions about how many houses you need to do roof and chimney reports for. The hope is that you will do your house, and if close enough, the homes on either side of you. If you can do more houses in your neighborhood, that’s even better.

What if you live in an area where the homes do not have chimneys? You don’t worry about it. You do not need to send in a report stating there are no chimneys. If there are no chimneys don’t say anything. Flight Command will assume – and pass along to Santa – the info of “no known chimney”.

Some Elf Supervisors think it is too early for these roof and chimney reports. I don’t. In fact, I think it is the best time to do them.

Finally, please try to send in a local weather report every Wednesday. Why Wednesday? I don’t know. Frankly, I love doing weather reports. I even do them myself right here in Christmas Island. I just love reporting on the weather. I think it is fun. I want us to get used to doing them every week so that when the test flights are here we’re strong with weather reporting. It’s pretty critical.

Ok, that’s it for now. Thank you for Elfing.

Hot August Nights Set for Sector 5

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North Pole Flight Command has just informed me of a special operation to be conducted over Sector 5 called Hot August Nights.

The test flights of Santa’s sleigh will be over Sector 5 during the month of August specifically to be seen. That’s right – you read that correctly – they want you to SEE Santa’s sleigh in flight. And they want us to report on it.

The flights will be going day and night. I have been told that I will be updated on flight plans at least once a week, starting tomorrow August 1st.

Flight Command believes that visibility of Santa’s sleigh will be better at night than it will during the day. Commercial air traffic is heavier during the day and given the altitudes that the sleighs will be flying at it is just more difficult to see the sleigh from the ground during the day even with special equipment.

In addition, I’m told that the test flights will be aided by “extra illumination” – they want to be seen! So night time observation during Hot August Nights is strongly encouraged.

They are hoping not only to receive reports – in the form of the sleigh sighting report – but they are hoping trackers will also take photos and videos and send them to Flight Command.

Please be advised that these are all planned flights. There are no plans for landings or on-the-ground sighting opportunities.

This, of course, means a lot more communication with trackers than is normal. Mostly everyday, I’m guessing. So please check in frequently and I will do the best I can to inform you of possible flight plans in your area.

Stand by for further updates.

Tracking Santa on Kringle Radio

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Come tune in to Kringle Radio right here on SantaTrackers.net as the rebroadcast of Santa’s ride last Christmas as heard on Kringle Radio kicks on at 5am EDT on July 23rd.

It’s two full days of tracking Santa with news reports from North Pole Radio News and a lot of elves you already know.

It’s a great way to celebrate Christmas in July!

Tracking Santa

How to Get Promoted

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Greetings, Elves of Sector 5!

Elf Max has put these “ask a question” boxes all over the website and between those boxes and the new Junior Tracker Elf thing set up by Elf Moe I have been getting bombarded with questions.

Even though our Regional Tracking Center in Canada doesn’t open for a few more days I thought I would try to get ahead of this question because I have a feeling it is going to be asked again and again between now and December. The question is:

How do I get promoted?

This question is coming from every class of elf. I will answer for all three.

Some, such as returning elves or freelance elves, as asking in advance of our hiring of a new sector lead for Sector 5. We have received plenty of applications, from both North Pole Elves who have been around a while and from freelance elves.

Would I hire a freelance elf to be Sector Lead?

Maybe.

Convince me. Start a conversation with me. I can be convinced.

Should North Pole elves already active on the Elf Wall be discouraged by that? Not at all. It’s not about who you are or where you are.

It is about what you say, what you think, what you feel. I’m looking for someone strong who can reflect our needs as a Sector and get out there and communicate with all elves — freelance, Junior and Senior elves. To communicate with them you gotta show you can communicate with me.

Now, what about the brand new Junior Tracker Elf who really wants to become a North Pole Elf?

Well, that’s more or less the same thing. Don’t submit the question any more in the “ask a question” boxes. ASK ME. Talk to ME.

Being a brand new elf is one thing. But being a returning elf who just came back for the first time since last Christmas only to find your account gone is quite another. If you were here before and have tracked Santa in the past, I’m here for you. If I remember you and the work you did previously, I’m not going to hold you back. Talk to me and I’ll promote you right away back into the North Pole Elf Community.

I believe in 2nd chances.

But for you newbies: listen up.

You gotta learn how to do this. The Elf Wall can be a big distraction for new elves and we learned the past couple of years that some elves enjoyed just talking with other elves more than doing the actual work of tracking Santa for Santa.

So, am I not going to promote any Junior Tracker elves to better things in the Elf Community?

No, I’m not saying that. I just saying “knock my socks off”. Show me you know your elf stuff. Talk to ME. Tell me what you know.

One thing you must realize, especially if you’re not an elf in my sector. Your Elf Supervisor might handle it different than me. Realize we’re not all the same.

I run the biggest sector in the world. We already have millions more than the other sectors ever will have. I feel the energy out there coming from elves of all types. I have to do this a little differently that my other friends who are Elf Supervisors.

My recommendation to you is to ask them how they are doing it.

I think they may answer you.

 

Trackers Invited to Toyvember

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As you may have heard, Santa declared a very rare Toyvember event – right in the middle of Christmas in July. That’s never been done before.

Naturally, elves all over the world had questions about how that would work for them, including tracker elves in every sector. I finally have some answers for you.

Yes, all trackers, regardless of location or status – freelance, junior trackers, North Pole elves – are all invited to participate.

If you have a toy idea, design or prototype you are encouraged to submit them via a message to your Elf Supervisor.

Please keep your eye on the news. I have a feeling this Toyvember will not last long. I would encourage you to submit your toy invention as soon as you can.

Thanks.

Sector Lead Position Changes

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The elf job of Sector Lead is evolving. It will now require added duties, as listed at the job description found on this page.

Due to the changes in the position, I have decided to release all existing Sector Leads from their positions. They are welcome to re-apply and would be strongly considered if they are willing to take up the new duties as listed in the job description.

What is different about this position?

After long discussions with the Elf Supervisors, it was decided that Sector Leads need to have a more visible presences both on SantaTrackers.net and on social media channels. Sector Leads will be given more responsibility in both recruiting and news outreach efforts. This will require a lot more time and certainly a lot effort. That was a key reason why I chose to release those currently in the position.

The job has just changed.

The Elf Supervisors not only ask for a voice in recruiting for this position but also an ability to tailor the job to their own needs in each sector. I support this request. A Sector Lead in one sector will need to adapt to the needs of that sector through communication with the Elf Supervisor.

Please note that while the job description says a Sector Lead needs to be a North Pole Elf with a presence on SantaTrackers.net I will be flexible in that requirement in sectors where access and language make finding qualified candidates difficult (looking at you Sector 2). I will consider the possibility of a strong freelance elf candidate (or two).

If you are freelance elf with interest and qualifications in the Sector Lead position, please reach out via a standard freelance tracker report submission or via the support page here at SantaTrackers.net

If you have questions please feel free to ask them below or on the Elf Wall.

All Regional Tracking Centers Announced

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North Pole Flight Command announced the location of the final regional tracking center today. Here are the locations for Christmas 2025 by Sector:

Sector 1: Christmas Island, Tanzania, Australia
Sector 2: Christmas Island, Myanmar
Sector 3: Christmas Island, Zimbabwe
Sector 4: Christmas Island, Jamaica
Sector 5: Christmas Island, Nova Scotia, Canada

As of today, Friday, July 18th, it is believed that the centers in Sectors 2, 4 and 5 are just about ready. By this time next week ALL should be online, well ahead of the August 1st target date set by Santa.

Each Elf Supervisor will be posting when they are “officially” open with their first instructions of the season. We expect those to begin at any time.

Meanwhile, the test flights of Santa’s sleigh continue and appear to be heading west over Sector 3 at this time. North Pole Flight Command has not published the flight schedule but they intend to inform us of their plans soon seeing that the Regional Tracking Centers are coming online.

Messaging Your Elf Supervisor

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Today we have added a new report to the library of reports offered here on SantaTrackers.net. Elf Max has restructured the library pages and added a new report to the Personal Reports library titled “Message Your Elf Supervisor”.

This new report was born out of concern for the many new Junior Tracker Elves coming on board this year.

Their job in their first six months as an elf is to try to get promoted to North Pole Elf status and join the Elf Community. To do that, they need to become known to their elf supervisors.

One way to do that is via the tracker reports that our Elf Supervisors ask you all to provide.

But because Junior Elves are NOT part of the Elf Community there is no direct way for them to reach out to their Elf Supervisor. Furthermore, privacy laws prevent two-way communication outside of the regulated environment of the community.

As Elf Moe, Santa and myself discussed this challenge we determined the best way to do this was to implement this new report that will allow any elf to send a message directly to the Elf Supervisor.

This is a good idea for our North Pole Elves of the community as well. The Elf Community is accessible to our Elf Supervisors but they get very busy and rarely have time to check messages.

This new report operates via channels controlled by the North Pole Post Office and flows through regular reporting protocols. In other words, when you use this NEW REPORT your message gets routed like a report – and it gets straight to your Elf Supervisor right away.

(Every report that comes in requires action in the Regional Tracking Center that receives it. Elves working in the Regional Center tag the report, send it to the teams who assess that information. When necessary, follow up actions are added or the information is filed for use for when Santa flies to the area you are reporting from. Making a message for your supervisor thus means it goes into a queue where they HAVE to read it and act on it).

Even though your Elf Supervisor cannot reply to you in these messages they can still see what you have to say and then choose whether or not to post something on SantaTrackers.net publicly in response to it.

As we get more and more of our Regional Tracking Centers announced the likelihood of report requests will be increasing. In fact, you should expect a first request from your Elf Supervisor anytime within the next week.

We encourage you to learn about and use this new report.

Note to Freelance Elves: this new report is not available to you. We encourage you to reach out to your Elf Supervisor via the standard freelance elf report.