I was overjoyed when the staff of the Kirkland Reporter contacted me with the idea of tracking my progress Christmas Eve. Being in my position it is difficult to let people know where I am going. It is extremely important and air traffic controllers are the only ones that can see my sleigh. Plus, Twitter is so impersonal.

It is very important to get this information to families so that kids are asleep when I get to their house. It is not a very well known fact, but I am not able to use the ‘spirit’ of Christmas to get down chimneys without kids being asleep first. Letting you know when I will arrive is very important. Most kids understand that they must be in bed and asleep in order for me to drop off the goodies and see their beautiful tree. I do get a few inquisitive tikes that try to stay up and hear my sleigh bells but it just delays the inevitable.

Since most kids have access to a computer now, web sites are normally the best way to keep in touch. I am not always the best for Facebook or even keeping up with my email but the elves are able to keep things moving on the Internet. I will call in to Reporter staff at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. and they will let you know how my trip is going at www.kirklandreporter.com. The final post will not tell you exactly when I will arrive at your house because there are an awful lot of houses in Washington State. It will give you a sense of how the trip is going and prepare you for a nice rest.

Oh, I always enjoy visiting Kirkland and Washington State, it is one of my favorite places to visit, even when I am not “working.” My “business” is more of a labor of love than a job. But the Misses and I do enjoy Tahiti on January 3.

We were told that the weather for the trip to Kirkland tomorrow night wont be as good as last year. Landing in the snow is always easier for my reindeer and sleigh. Having snow on Christmas is always nice but the holiday is not about snow or presents, it is about being with your family. But presents are always nice.

The elves have done an outstanding job this year of gathering all the letters, making toys and being in contact with toy companies from around the world. I still enjoy a good wooden train but I can understand the lure of Buzz Lightyear, a Barbie Doll or a video game. I just love toy testing.

My wife and I really enjoyed our trip to Kirkland and the stop at Merrill Gardens on December 18. Mrs. Clause and I really appreciated the opportunity to take some pictures with all the children and adults who came out to visit. I have made many visits to your area in the past month. I love being able to talk with all the children prior to my visit on Christmas Eve. It gives me a chance to find out what you might want for Christmas and see how much you have grown. Of course, we were also able to stop by Macys and get some Frangos, which always makes Blitzen happy.

For the most part, Kirkland children have been good this year. There are some on the naughty list, but I am informed that the load of coal is down from last year, which is always a good sign. Homework and chores have been pretty good overall but we must remember to listen to our parents and try to help others.

I hope you enjoy the updates of my trip to Kirkland and are able to spend a lot of time with family tomorrow and Friday. Being with the ones you love is what the holiday season is all about, and maybe a few presents mixed in. Oh yeah, I want to say thank you in advance for the cookies and milk and the reindeer always enjoy the carrots. Have a Merry Christmas.

Sincerely,

Mr. C