Weather Report Requested

We need a WEATHER REPORT from all areas of Sector 5 by August 15th from all available elves.

NOTE for FREELANCE ELVES: Please use the standard freelance elf report for this request.

No, we do not have a schedule yet for test flights of Santa’s sleigh in our sector. This report is requested because we have North Pole scout teams coming to North and Central America in advance of test flights later this month. The weather report is for them.

As far as when we will see the test flights in our sector all I can tell you is that it will happen on very short notice. Maybe a day or two in advance we might learn of it. So please be paying attention.

I’m being told that they likely won’t need much from us but I’d still like you all to be on alert just to see if we can be the first sector to report a sleigh sighting this year. That hasn’t happened yet and I’d like to be the first, ya know?

Some of you have expressed concern about our regional tracking center here in Mistletoe, Kentucky. Yes, I know that recent flooding in nearby areas have been a concern. But please be assured that we are all okay. The barn – which is really where our tracking center is, truth be told – sits at the top of a hill. While we can see flooded areas close by where we are is totally fine and we’re operating without issue.

Thank you for your concern.

 

SantaUpdate.com - Tracking Santa Online

Sector 5 Now Activated

Hi, Kids. Hahaha. Sorry. That was a dumb way to start this.

I’m activating the sector today. This is official. This counts. So make sure you do this right. Go to the Elf Status Report and give me an idea of your availability.

Remember, the Elf Status Report is one you can use at any time. Yes, there will be times I will ask you to update it. But I know many of you have a lot of stuff going on right now. Some are going on vacation, others are heading back to school. Your status could and probably will change a lot over the next couple of months.

Whenever a change is upon you, just update your Elf Status Report. We’ll work with what you have going on.

And speaking of things going on – frankly, I’m not exactly sure when we’re going to see much action in Sector 5. It seems Flight Command is changing their tune nearly every day.

I think some of that has to the with the weather. In much of Sector 5 right now it is dry and hot. I think they want to test right now in cooler climates. So I think they will be sticking to the south for a while. They keep sending me mixed signals on that, so don’t take it as gospel truth. If there is an official change, I’ll let you know.

But as other elf supervisors have indicated, I think the tests are headed into the South Pacific for a few days before venturing into Sector 1. I think after that they may drift over towards us.

However it plays out, I want to be ready. I see no reason not to activate and to begin our own little tests.

So be on your toes! I may test you with a request even IF we don’t have test flights in our area.

Toodles.

SantaUpdate.com - Tracking Santa Online

Sector 5 Nears Activation

Hi Elf Friends – I send you greetings from Mistletoe, Kentucky where the regional tracking center is getting ready for the first flight activity over Sector 5. It’s coming very soon.

I’m writing today to let you know that we will be activating as a sector very soon. That’s because North Pole Flight Command has informed us that the test flights of Santa’s sleigh are headed for Northern Mexico and the South West of the United States very soon.

Once I have more concrete information I will activate the sector. With that status I can begin receiving reports from you.

That means you need to be paying attention. DO NOT SEND ANY REPORTS YET. I’m just letting you know it is happening very soon. Like, within a few days. So stand-by. Okay?

SantaUpdate.com - Tracking Santa Online

New Report Added for Trackers

A new report has been added to the Trackers Report menu. It’s called the Sleigh Sighting Report and it is for those elves who believe they have seen a sleigh in flight.

The Elf Supervisors specifically asked for this report to be added in advance of tracking the test flights of Santa’s sleigh. They said that with so many sleighs in flights this was a very common occurrence last year.

Elf Pinky reported that her regional tracking center alone last year received more than 40,000 reports of sleigh sightings.

“It is not hard to see how this can happen,” Elf Pinky said. “We have right now 12 prototype sleighs testing around the clock. That’s more than 100 flights a day and they go all over the place, day and night. Then, in the hours before Santa launches and even when he is in flight the North Pole sends up tens of thousands of sleighs in support of Santa. Those are airlift sleighs moving freight, scout sleighs, transport sleighs moving elves all over the place, reindeer support sleighs and weather tracking sleighs – how is it possible that people DON’T see more sleighs on Christmas Eve?

So if you have seen a sleigh North Pole Flight Command wants to know about it. You can access the new report from this link, or by clicking on Tracker Reports in the menu above.

SantaUpdate.com - Tracking Santa Online

A New Era of Tracking Santa Begins

A new era of tracking Santa has begun.

Starting in the next few days your Elf Supervisor is going to ask you to file a new report – and this one counts. This is the time we have been talking about all year. This is when you really need to be paying attention.

Today was posted a new report, titled Elf Status. This new report will tell Flight Command and your Elf Supervisor whether or not you are on the job.

Traditionally, we have done in the past something we called the Elf Check-in, which was a way to indicate your readiness before Santa took flight. That old way of doing things is now gone. Tracking Santa is now different in every way and it begins with this new report.

This next week, all Elf Supervisors in each sector will call for your Elf Status report.

It is important that you respond by filing that report when the Elf Supervisor asks for it. It does not matter what your Elf Status report says at this point. But the fact that you respond to YOUR elf supervisor within the window of time called for matters a great deal. This will be one of those reports that applies to your elf evaluation score later next year.

If you file that report that you are on the job it will lead to other very important reports that will count between now and Christmas. This is definitely the time to start paying attention to what is happening.

Also, today and over the next few days – changes have been implemented to our elf registration process. For all new elves coming aboard, as previously announced, a 90-day working period as a FREELANCE ELF is now required BEFORE a new elf will be allowed to become a part of the Elf Community here at SantaTrackers.net and classified as a NORTH POLE ELF.

A freelance elf works by contract for one full season. You can read the contract at this link. All new elves will need to abide by the contract, do their jobs as elves and gain the endorsement of their elf supervisor. This is another way in which tracking Santa is different. No more can an individual sign up as an elf and do no work. They have to actually be an elf tracking Santa for Santa.

A freelance elf still files reports. In fact, the reports are even MORE critical to a freelance elf because a review of their reports over their first 90-days is key to them becoming a North Pole elf.

Regardless of your class as an elf, reporting is now active and it all counts. We are attempting to get 1 billion tracker reports this year. Starting today, those reports count.

But they only count if you file the reports needed when your elf supervisor asks for them. Please do not just send in reports willy-nilly.

In fact, if your reports are not applicable, on-time, and comprehensive they will not help you at all. The point behind all of this is to do a better job of reporting the right information at the right time when Santa needs it.

Right now, Santa’s sleigh is in the test flight period. Your reports during this period matter because we are testing all systems, including the reporting system, as part of the test flights. If your reports show snow where there is really dry heat, it hurts the effort and could count against you.

We also remind you that many reports have changed and some new reports are yet to come out. Please pay attention.

Thanks and happy tracking, elves!

 

SantaUpdate.com - Tracking Santa Online

Heavy Weather Flights to Be Tested

Hey gang – I just received word that Sector 5 will soon be the location for the first heavy weather test flights of Santa’s sleigh. We believe these test flights will begin in about 10 days to 2 weeks.

That gives us more time to recruit weather tracking elves in our sector.

Of particular focus will be the American Southwest, where seasonal monsoonal moisture typically arrives in early August each year. Additionally, far Northern Canada above the Arctic Circle will also be the scene for test flights focused on cold and frosty conditions.

We may even see some test flights centered over the North Atlantic and, later during the month of September, over the Gulf of Mexico as hurricane season arrives.

These diverse locations will require the time and reporting skill of weather tracker elves. Please let me know if you are interest.

SantaUpdate.com - Tracking Santa Online

New Elves Will Wait

In Elf Chat today Elf Crash Murphy announced that Elf Roger Star will outline more changes this week that will affect newly signed-on elves at SantaTrackers.net.

According to Crash new elves will have to work in a freelance capacity for at least 90 days and will be required to have their elf supervisor endorsement before being allowed to join the elf community as a North Pole Tracker Elf tracking Santa for Santa. Crash said the idea originated with Elf Moe, who expressed frustrations with recent elf recruits.

Today’s chat was full of information and seemed to have a little more serious tone:

Elf ErnestHello everyone
Elf ErnestChat today will begin at the top of the hour, or whenever Elf Crash gets here
Elf weather trackerHi Elf Ernest
Elf MaxHi Elf Weather Tracker
Elf MaxHi Elf Ernest
Elf MaxIsn’t*t a bit strange for you to be hosting chat here instead of at SantaUpdate?
Elf ErnestYes, it is.
Elf ErnestBut Elf Roger asked me to pinch hit for him today because he’s involved in some Christmas-in-July thing
Elf MaxAh, I see. So you’re hosting the chat…no announcements?
Elf ErnestRight, I’m just facilitating
Elf ErnestBut I think Crash will be breaking some news today
Elf MaxOh? That’s interesting.
Elf weather trackerHi Elf Ulan
Elf ErnestHe’s been in a lot of meetings. His tracker work is keeping him very busy
Elf MaxI’m all ears
Elf Crash MurphyHi everyone!
Elf weather trackerHi Crash
Elf ErnestCrash! You are a little early
Elf Crash MurphyI could leave if you want
Elf ErnestNo no no
Elf ErnestIt’s all good!
Elf Crash MurphyDid I see Elf Ulan here?
Elf Crash MurphyI love her. She’s so NICE
Elf Crash MurphyHi Elf Weather Tracker!
Elf Crash MurphyHey Max
Elf MaxHi Crash
Elf Crash MurphyMax, are you going to ask me about Crusader’s podcast again?
Elf MaxConsider yourself asked
Elf Crash MurphyI promise I will get in studio
Elf MaxWhen?
Elf Crash MurphyWhen Frank pushes me in there
Elf weather trackerHi Elf Radar
Elf MaxHahaha – ok, I’ll let him know
Elf ErnestFolks, welcome to today’s Elf Chat
Elf ErnestWe have Elf Crash Murphy here today and you know him as a radio voice
Elf ErnestAnd as the Ultimate Santa Tracker
Elf ErnestHe follows Santa every Christmas Eve around the world in his own sleigh
Elf ErnestAnd he reports the news
Elf ErnestIn fact, you can hear a re-broadcast of last years Tracking Santa show on Kringle Radio right now
Elf ErnestBut Crash is here today as a leader in the tracker elf community
Elf ErnestHe officially represents Elf Roger Star today
Elf ErnestAnd Crash, I hear you have news to share?
Elf Crash MurphyI do.
Elf UlanHi Elf Crash! Thank you so much! Me too!
Elf Crash MurphyRoger will be posting or making some kind of announcement this week
Elf Crash MurphyBut he told me to share a little bit of it with you guys here today
Elf Crash MurphyThere are some changes coming to how new elves become new elves here on SantaTrackers.net
Elf Crash MurphyThey are working out the details, but basically a new elf must seve
Elf Crash Murphyserve, that is
Elf Crash Murphyas a freelance elf for 90 days before they can become a North Pole elf
Elf UlanHi elf Weather Tracker!
Elf Crash MurphyAnd participate here on SantaTrackers.net with all of you
Elf MaxWhoa
Elf ErnestThat’s a very interesting development. Why is this happening?
Elf Crash MurphyIt is all about elf quality, as I understand it.
Elf Crash MurphyThey want a new elf to get a little reporting experience and gain the endorsement of their elf supervisor before they will be allowed to join here
Elf MaxWhat does this exactly mean, Crash?
Elf weather trackerI think that is a great idea
Elf Crash MurphyIt means the rush of new elves we see in the fall months of October thru December are a thing of the past
Elf Crash MurphyElf Moe came up with this.
Elf Crash MurphyHe’s been really troubled by some problems with new elves of late and this was his solution
Elf Crash MurphyIt bears Santa’s approval. It’s happening
Elf MaxWow
Elf ErnestSo…the elf supervisor has to approve a freelance elf becoming a North Pole elf?
Elf Crash MurphyYes, the elf supervisors are becoming a bigger and bigger part of things here
Elf MaxHow do they have time to do that?
Elf Crash MurphyWell, if a new freelance elf signs up Monday, as the test flights begin, they have 90 days or until the end of October to get in the good graces of their supervisor
Elf Crash MurphySo a new elf starting Monday could be a North Pole Elf by the time Santa flies
Elf MaxWhat if they sign up in November and want to be a North Pole elf?
Elf Crash MurphyThey have to wait 90 days.
Elf ErnestSo it wouldn’t happen for them before Christmas?
Elf Crash MurphyNope, not a chance
Elf MaxWhoa again
Elf ErnestI’m with Weather Tracker. This is a really good idea
Elf Crash MurphyYes, I think so too. It puts the focus right where Santa wants it – on the quality of reports
Elf MaxThat’s some really big news. Why wait to announce it?
Elf Crash MurphyThere are some changes to the sign up and registration process we need to get taken care of.
Elf Crash MurphyBut Elf Roger wanted our North Pole elves to know about it before hand, just because
Elf ErnestOk. Got it
Elf ErnestAny other news?
Elf Crash MurphyUm…I’m going to the Eggnog Chug in about an hour.
Elf ErnestHahaha. Me too!
Elf ErnestOk, elves. Questions for Crash?
Elf MaxCrash, I think this means we’re going to have a lot fewer elves here this Christmas.
Elf Crash MurphyYes, Max.
Elf weather trackerWill I be helping with the test flight
Elf MaxDo we have enough elves to get the reports they want this year?
Elf Crash MurphyYes, Max. Santa is okay with it
Elf Crash MurphyElf Weather Tracker, let’s talk about those test flights
Elf weather trackerOk
Elf Crash MurphySectors 5 and 1 were two of the last to announce and they are both scrambling to get set up
Elf Crash MurphySo I’m not sure, but I don’t think it will be next week for them anyway
Elf Crash MurphyI think the test flights will concentrate on Sector 4 for at least a week. After that, I don’t know
Elf Crash MurphyWatch for announcements from Elf Pinky for your sector
Elf UlanDo we need to send some reports for the test flight?
Elf ErnestIs the map going to be live, Crash?
Elf weather trackerOk thank you Crash
Elf Crash MurphyElf Ulan, yes, pay attention because your elf supervisor could ask for reports at any time
Elf Crash MurphyYes, Ernest, my sources in Flight Command tell me the map should be active Monday or Tuesday
Elf UlanOkay, I’ll!
Elf MaxOh boy. A lot of news here today in this chat
Elf ErnestWill the Elf Supervisors just start posting?
Elf Crash MurphyYes, they will. In fact, Elf Tubby wanted to post today but Roger told him not til Monday
Elf ErnestWill there be radio coverage of the launch of the test flight?
Elf Crash MurphyNo. There will be FLIGHTS. Plural. There are 12 prototype sleighs and they all have a different schedule. Too much to cover on the radio. We’re not ready yet in radio-land for that kind of reporting.
elf radarWhat kind of response time will we have on our reports when they are requested?  I mean our regular reports for Christmas, not those involving test flights.
Elf ErnestOk, so you’ll be staying at the North Pole during the test flight period?
Elf Crash MurphyThe response time? What do you mean, Elf Radar?
Elf Crash MurphyYes, I’ll be at the North Pole for at least a few weeks. After that, we’ll see.
Elf ErnestDo we know how heavy of a flight schedule the test flights will have?
elf radarHow long will we have to respond to these reports so they can be used.
Elf Crash MurphyI’m told it will be around the clock from the get go.
Elf Crash MurphyOh, I see what you’re saying. I don’t know the answer to that. Maybe once we get started we can get one of the elf supervisors into a chat to respond to that.
Elf MaxThere’s kind of a new feeling to all this this year
elf radarok. Thank you.
Elf ErnestI think that’s what Santa wanted, Max
Elf Crash MurphyI agree Maxy.
Elf UlanDoes each sector will start the test flight with different test reindeer at the same time?
Elf Crash MurphyTracking feels more…serious in some way.
Elf Crash MurphyI don’t know, Elf Ulan. We really don’t know or get much information about the test flight reindeer. I’ll see if I can find that out.
Elf ErnestCrash, with 12 sleighs…how many test flight reindeer are there?
Elf Crash MurphyI don’t know yet about this year, but last year at the peak we had more than 6000 test flight reindeer
Elf MaxThat’s a lot of reindeer feed!
Elf UlanOkay, than you!
Elf Crash MurphyYes, the Reindeer Operations Department has a bigger job than most people know
Elf ErnestCrash, do you ever go on test flights?
Elf Crash MurphyI do. We have to test our radio broadcast capabilities every year. That’s usually in October for me.
Elf ErnestHow long does that take?
Elf Crash MurphyA couple three or four days. It just depends.
Elf MaxDo you like doing that, Crash?
Elf Crash MurphyYeah, it’s good practice for me.
Elf Crash MurphyI like to broadcast “We’re going down!” now and then…just to see if anyone is listening
Elf ErnestHahaha…does that get you in trouble?
Elf Crash MurphyYes, every time
Elf Crash MurphyI try to do it when I know I’ve got a rookie in Flight Command
Elf ErnestYou’re terrible…
Elf Crash MurphyI have to have my fun
Elf ErnestOkay, any last questions for Crash?
elf radarI liked that!
Elf MaxCrash, do Santa’s regular reindeer ever serve on the test flights?
Elf Crash MurphySometimes, especially if they are recovering from some sort of injury. They use the test flights for rehab
Elf Crash MurphyBut the closer it gets to December the less they are there because Santa doesn’t want any of his A-team to risk injury
Elf MaxInteresting
Elf ErnestCrash, what do you think of the idea of sending the other North Pole News Reporters to practice on the test flights?
Elf Crash MurphyWell, they’d have to become sleigh certified first. Sleigh flight is not for everyone.
Elf ErnestIs that hard?
elf radarDo the reindeer have any problems flying in and out of the different climates encountered around the world?
Elf Crash MurphyI threw up every day for three weeks when I got certified the first time.
Elf Crash MurphyGood question, Elf Radar. And the answer is THEY CAN have issues in different climates
Elf Crash MurphyBut Santa has established rules for the reindeer to keep them safe
Elf Crash MurphyHis most experienced reindeer know how to adjust. Diet and rest play into it.
Elf Crash MurphyBut reindeer do not care for heat much. Cold, doesn’t affect them. But heat is a problem
Elf Crash MurphyAgain, a lot of this is managed by Reindeer Operations. Those elves work hard.
Elf weather trackerDoes Santa want us to leave water out for the reindeer?
Elf Crash MurphyYes, Weather Tracker. Santa always appreciates water for the reindeer.
Elf Crash MurphyBut just water
Elf Crash MurphySome want to share soda or eggnog or other stuff for the reindeer to drink and that’s not good.
Elf weather trackerOk, I will leave a bowl of water out
Elf Crash MurphyA BIG bowl, I hope
Elf weather trackerOf course
Elf UlanOkay!
Elf Crash MurphyYou know who the thirstiest reindeer is?
Elf weather trackerRudolph
Elf Crash MurphyIt’s Blitzen. I’ve seen him nearly drain a lake. That guy can guzzle it!
Elf UlanNo, who?
Elf weather trackerOh geeze
Elf Crash MurphyRudolph is a little guy. He drinks fairly little.
Elf Crash MurphyWe always joke we have to give water with electrolytes to Rudolph
Elf Crash MurphyHe doesn’t think that’s funny.
Elf MaxHahaha
Elf ErnestOk, guys. Thanks for being here today. Crash, great chat!
Elf weather trackerI will also be leaving carrots out as well
Elf Crash MurphyIt’s been a good one. Y’all have a great weekend
Elf Crash MurphyAwesome, Weather Tracker
Elf UlanThank you Elf Crash, and everyone! See you again soon!
Elf MaxThank you Crash and Ernest
Elf Crash MurphyBye everyone!
elf radarThanks guys! Merry Christmas in July everyone.
Elf ErnestSee ya!
Elf weather trackerBye
Elf MaxWow, good chat! I’ll get it posted soon!
SantaUpdate.com - Tracking Santa Online

Test Flights Begin July 26th

Test flights of Santa’s sleigh are scheduled to begin in Sector 4 starting sometime on Monday, July 26th, North Pole Flight Command has announced.

We are not sure yet if the tracking map for those first flights will be ready or not by that date. We are expecting an announcement from Elf Tubby Ryder, elf supervisor for Sector 4. Since that tracking center was the first announced and thus the one center most ready we are thinking the odds are pretty good that the map will be ready.

12 prototype sleighs have already been positioned at a reindeer ranch in Argentina. Two full teams of test flight reindeer are already in South America at the same ranch to be readied for the launch of the sleighs. We are awaiting word to know if the flights will work around the clock or if they will only be scheduled at certain times of the day.

Because of the late start to the test flight program many assume the flight schedule will be aggressive.

Once we know the first few weeks of the schedule we will share that information with you.

SantaUpdate.com - Tracking Santa Online

First Ever Regional HQ Announced for Africa

Historic news was announced at North Pole Flight Command today for Sector 3, which covers the continents of Africa and Europe. South Africa’s city of Bethlehem will host the first-ever regional tracking center in Africa.

Bethlehem, South Africa, joins Bethlehem, Palestine, this year as hosts for their sectors. This is the first time in history two regional centers have been hosted by cities of the same name, and two cities that bear some connection to Christmas.

It is winter in South Africa, just as it is winter in Australia in Sector 1, as well as winter in Milagro, Ecuador in Sector 4. That means each of those regional tracking centers will be in summer mode when Santa actually takes flight. This is a significant operational decision, one that bodes well for the support of Santa’s flight. Sometimes regional centers working during winter months suffer issues due to weather that affect their abilities to offer support to Santa.

With this announcement our focus now turns to the following for each sector:

  • The readiness of each location
  • The elf leadership communication from each sector
  • The tracking of test flights of Santa’s sleigh
  • The first test of new reporting expectations of tracker elves

Pay close attention in the coming weeks, elves. There will be a lot of news and some new opportunities to serve the cause of Santa.

SantaUpdate.com - Tracking Santa Online

Sector 5 Announces Regional HQ

Mistletoe, Kentucky will be home to the regional tracking center for Sector 5, covering North and Central America. Elf Pinky and team have been recorded by North Pole Flight Command as being already in the area to get the tracking center set up. They are hoping to have it online by the time test flights of Santa’s sleigh begin.

Mistletoe, Kentucky looks like it is in the middle of everything if you look at it on a map. But on the ground it’s a different story. The place is remote, fairly free of a lot of residents, and ideal for setting up a complex tracking center that makes use of a lot of technology.

Here’s a shot Pinky sent us from her arrival there a few days ago:

Mistletoe, KY

As you can see, there are not many people there.

But Pinky told me she has already been “found out”. A local man, who just happens to be a freelance elf, spotted Pinky at a local store and guessing it might be her just because of her pink hair, blurted out, “Is that Elf Pinky?”

Pinky was not expecting to have anyone spot her. But she turned her head as he said that he couldn’t help but say, “As I live and breathe, I’ve seen my first genuine elf!”

Elf Pinky had no choice but to introduce herself. The man – he goes by Elf Wonderboy – said he has worked as a tracker elf for “many years” and wondered if Santa would ever bring the Regional Tracking center to Mistletoe. “It just makes sense,” he said. “I think it is the perfect place for it.”

Elf Wonderboy did explain how big of a deal Christmas is in Kentucky. He said it is a southern place that gets a touch of snow every now and then, despite it’s low elevation. He said because of that people in Kentucky count down the days until Santa comes and pray for snow every year. He said it does not happen often. But, he said, almost everyone puts up lights and everyone does have a tree:

Kentucky

He told Pinky that there are a lot of Santa trackers in Kentucky, even many that she does not know about. He called Kentucky “the cream of Sector 5”.

It may be a few days until we start hearing from this new regional HQ. Pinky said they were “having fun” getting all the power and Internet they need.

But they should be online soon.

SantaUpdate.com - Tracking Santa Online

Christmas in July Chats

Christmas in July chats have been announced for July 23rd and 24th. For tracker elves, a special discussion will take place in Elf Chat with Elves Ernest and Crash:

Elf Chat

This will be held on Saturday, July 23rd at 2pm EST in Elf Chat.

Chat with the Clauses!

Santa and Mrs. Claus will both be chatting on Sunday, July 24th in North Pole Chat at SantaUpdate.com

Chat with Mrs. Claus

Chat with Santa

SantaUpdate.com - Tracking Santa Online

Tracker Elf Press Conference Coverage

Santa Trackers Podcast
Santa Tracker Podcast
Tracker Elf Press Conference Coverage
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The annual tracker elf press conference where the new recruiting goal for tracker elves is announced is now underway. Please use the player embedded to listen to it instead of the live Kringle Radio feed, which we understand is experiencing some technical issues this morning. We have been told that the events today are being recorded and will be made available on all websites as well as on Kringle Radio for a short time.

This is a major announcement, elves. For months we have been hearing about the importance of this July 11th event.

I have been told that after the news is announced we will be putting together a chat schedule for the rest of July in Elf Chat to discuss this announcement and answer your questions.

SantaUpdate.com - Tracking Santa Online