Hi Elves,

We have been getting some messages from elves about landing zones for Santa. Since we are still quite a ways away from Santa’s launch we thought we’d talk about this now, just so those of you who want to do this have time to plan.

We actually see quite a lot of landing zones for Santa set up in Sector 1. In fact, more in our sector than any other out there. We think that may have more to do with the good weather in most places of Sector 1 than anything else. Here are some things you need to know.

1. You don’t HAVE to have a landing zone for Santa. Santa has been to many homes many times. He has a good idea where to put the sleigh. But if you want to identify a spot, Santa will be glad to use it. Santa does admit that sometimes he lands the sleigh in places that people do not appreciate. He doesn’t mean to damage the flowers or run over things left laying around. The sleigh is a big vehicle and Santa sometimes can’t see everything on the ground or on a roof. So if you have a designated spot, Santa is happy to use it.
2. Santa’s sleigh is huge. What most people do not realize is the sheer size a landing zone needs to be. And just because you clear a spot doesn’t always mean Santa can use it. Last year, for example, an Elf named Elf Trevor in Australia had a landing zone for Santa set up on the side of his house. The weather was good and the zone was huge. But there were trees all along the side of the house that made flying in too steep for the space that Elf Trevor selected. We think Trevor also had a couple of web cams set up to capture Santa on video, which Santa doesn’t mind. But being as close to the house as it was just wasn’t a safe option for Santa to use the zone, especially with the trees so close to it all. Remember, Santa does not only have to think about potential damage to the house and the yard, but also potential dangers to the reindeer, the sleigh and himself.
3. The roof is a much preferred spot for a landing zone. But it is most often very problematic, mostly because many roofs are too small for the sleigh. In those cases, the reindeer and the sleigh will actually just hover over the house and not actually land. Santa descends from the sleigh from a rope when this is the case. If you do think Santa’s sleigh will fit on the roof, he’s okay with lights set up there as long as it is safe to do so and that the home owner (usually your parents) agree. It’s not required by any means.
4. Food for the reindeer or for Santa should NOT be kept in or near the landing zone. Santa prefers to retrieve this stuff while in the house. That is because local dogs, cats and other wildlife will wander into the zone, attracted by the food, thus putting them in harms way.
5. If you feed the reindeer, as always, remember to use natural seeds, nuts and fruits and vegetables. Again, keep them out of the zone.
6. Picture of the zone, before and/or after, are fine. Videos are cool. Just be willing to share them with North Pole Flight Command or right here on SantaTrackers.net.
7. If you have a landing zone, please report it. Santa would like to know in advance if possible.

And that’s about it. If you have other questions don’t be afraid to ask about them in the replies below. If you are in another Sector and have questions you might want to post them to your Elf Supervisor. Different Sectors may have different conditions that require additional direction.

Thanks!

Hello elves of Sector 2,

We approach a season in Sector 2 where the experts are projecting a lot of growth. In fact, the rate of growth in Sector 2 with tracker elves is supposed to be bigger than any other sector.

That’s a great prediction. We are, at present, the sector with the fewest elves.

I am asking that we get a Sector Lead this year in Sector 2. The biggest qualification is that you live in our sector. I would ask our many freelance elves out there to consider applying for this position and to also consider becoming a part of the Elf Community here at SantaTrackers.net.

We need to raise our profile in Sector 2 and I think it would be most useful if we had a Sector Lead to do it. An active Sector Lead for our sector would go a long way to helping new elves to sign up.

I’m hoping one of you out there will step up for this. I would hate to go through another Christmas without a strong Sector Lead for Sector 2.

Greetings from Japan, where we have been in operation at the Regional Tracking Center here for Sector 1 for over a month now.

Things are going well but it is an interesting period in Japan. There have been a number of earthquakes and now we’re under storm watch.

Natural disasters can and do happen in many parts of the world. They come in different forms. Every sector has some sort of natural disaster taking place right now.

What do we do in the event of a natural disaster that affects us or that we think might affect Santa?

If we can safely do so we report it via the Natural Disaster Report.

It is one of those reports we only use rarely and, frankly, it is a report we don’t ever really want to use.

Recently I have reviewed this report with the entire team at the Regional Tracking Center here in Otaru. We have had to train on how to receive and process such reports as well as learn to send them ourselves.

I think it would be wise for each of you to review it.

You never know when it might be needed.