Four days to go and it is Christmas day…we have some very bad news. Champion Reindeer Nashiyah is down with fever.

That is right. Nashiyah, the newly chosen Champion Reindeer who will carry the ruby medal on Christmas Eve is down with a 42-degree Celsius (we use Celsius here in the North Pole) fever. That is steaming hot. So today, Santa Claus called in the Frost Fairies for help.

Frost Fairies are known for their skills in medicine. They are well-known herbalists and magic casters. After work I visited the stables at the Ice Cap.

“How is she?” I asked Rudolf. Rudolf is the master of all the reindeers.
“Oh, she is not well, my friend. Not very well,”

“Her fever is not getting any better,” the Frost Fairy said, worried. “But I have ordered the other Frost Fairies to harvest me some cobalt flower petals and the leaves of a thorn-less dewdrop plant. I will make tea out of them. As far as I know, the cobalt dewdrop combination for tea is a good remedy against high fever. But in this case, our dear Champion Nashiyah has to rest.”

“Oh dear.” I said. I did not mean any pun.

“Oh, Nashiyah. Nashiyah!” Rudolf was really, really worried.
“Where did she get the illness?” I asked. “It might be of help to know the cause of the illness.”

“That is right. Very, very right.” The Frost Fairy said. “Do you have any ideas of her past activities these days?”

“Well,” Rudolf began. “Today she began her day as usual. She ate a lot of food for breakfast. Then she made her way off to exercise. She came back later this afternoon, and I saw it in her eyes that she was really, really tired. When I felt her forehead it was steaming hot.”

“Fatigue!” exclaimed the Frost Fairy. “She might be experiencing fatigue. She is too harsh on her self.”

“I think she is. She said she wants to serve the best Christmas Advent for everyone. Now look at what happened to her. She can’t serve the best Christmas if she’s in this condition, can she?”

“Well, if it is just fatigue, then we do not have to worry that much. All she needs to do is rest a lot, and she might be well off tomorrow. Ah, here are the cobalt flower and dewdrop plants.”

The fairy gave instructions on how to make the tea and said she should drink it thrice a day. I hope Nashiya gets well.

Angel

Earlier today, there has been a discussion not only in the Toy Factory and Craft Workshop but in every department Santa Claus’ personality type. The personality type they were talking about was the personality type according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.

According to some people, Santa Claus is probably an INFP type. INFP means Introverted, Intuition, Feeling, Perception—these four are preferences in processing information. INFP’s are called ‘healers,’ ‘dreamers,’ and ‘idealists.’

“He must be an INFP,” said Jade, a junior designer. “You know, INFP’s really like to help other people, because they have a strong sense of value. INFP’s go the extra mile just so they can make other people happy. They are boundless and selfless. See, just like our dear old Santa Claus!”

“Well I think he is more of an ENFP,” said Mary my subordinate. He was referring to the Extroverted version of an INFP. It is also called the ‘advocate’ type.

“And why is that?” asked Jade, munching on chips. He handed some to Mary.
“Well, Santa Claus is more of a ‘leader.’ An ‘advocate,’ if you will. An INFP is more of an ‘inspirer,’ the one who gives the spark to the leader but the leader is the one who organizes for the cause. See—there are a lot of elves here in this department. If he was an INFP, he would have gone…emotional. I am an INFP myself and all four children of mine give me tears when I am stressed. I can not imagine myself taking care of thousands of elves.”

“You may have a point,” Jade said. “How about you, Angel? What do you think?” he turned to me.

“Well,” I began. Now it was my turn to munch on some nacho chips. “He seems to have a visionary temperament. An ‘NF’ so to speak. So he might also be an INTJ. Although INTJ’s are so private, they will not talk to crowds. You know what I mean? So maybe…let’s just make him take an exam?”

We laughed a bit. I can’t believe we were serious.

“An ENFP!” I exclaimed later that afternoon after Santa Claus took his Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test. So Jade was right, after all.

“Ho! Ho! Ho!” Santa laughed. “I can’t believe all the descriptions here are so accurate, especially when I was younger! I really love to help people, you know. And that is why I have founded this Operation Christmas Advent with all the greatest elves. You know why elves?”

“Why?” we asked in chorus.

“Because elves really like to help humans!”

Tracking Santa Anchor,
Angel

There are so many things you can do with your fireplace; you can decorate it differently every year or traditional holiday decorations. Thus, before decorating your fireplace, you should decide first on what you want to do with it.

Before going on a store to buy new decorations, you should go over the decorations that you already have at all. Decide whether or not it will fit with the theme you have in mind for the fireplace. You can reuse the same decorations you always use on the fireplace. However, if you want something different, you can use the decorations for your Christmas tree on your fireplace.

1. It will be better to make a base for your decorations so it is advisable to put a long but narrow lace doily or a simple but beautiful table runner over the holiday fabric that is covering the mantel of your fireplace.

2. Adorn the fireplace with a garland. Make sure that both ends of the garland will hang at both sides. Also, include Christmas lights on the garland so that it can add a bit of a life. If you want, you can also use fresh pine garlands because it can enhance the mood of your room because of its scent.

3. Hide the ends of the garland with holiday ribbons. You can also add ribbons on the two ends of the fireplace’s mantel and another one in the center. To easily attach them on the garland, use a florist wire.

4. Add small decoration on the garland. Design the mantel with pinecones and nuts as well. To give your fireplace a formal appeal, color the pinecones and nuts with silver or gold metallic spray paint.

5. Have some Christmas stockings dangling from the mantel. This will be a good idea especially if there are children who are going to be in your house

6. Since most of your decorations in the middle of the mantel are short, it will be nice to put tall decorations at both ends of the mantel to give the arrangement the balance in needs.

7. Put pillar candles that are on candle holders suitable for the holidays on the mantel and light it up along with the Christmas tree and the fireplace itself. Then, gather around on the room with your family to savor the relaxing ambiance of the holiday season.

Today, the coloratura soprano Maria Shenova performed a teaser concert! It was really great and it was really, really surprising.

When I just left the Toy Factory and Craft Workshop, I came along Santa Claus’ main office in the White Snow Square and it was there where Maria Shenova was performing her surprise concert. It was not really a typical concert. It was a typical day yet an extraordinary thing was happening. I am sorry for the exaggeration for I am such a fan of Maria Shenova. Her voice is like no other in this world.

Anyway, so it happened suddenly like a bolt of lightning that cracked the blue sky.

There were a lot of people in front of Santa Claus’ main office. Everyone was very busy. Some was selling merchandise while some of them were buying stuff. Then, suddenly, a chilling, beautiful voice was heard. Everyone, including me of course, stopped whatever they were doing so they can listen and look at the singer. Everyone was surprised! It was the famous Maria Shenova who was singing. She was standing on a small platform, wearing a simple white gown which looked beautiful on her. Her hair was in curls. To accompany her wonderful singing was a cellist.

It was a really great performance and you do not really see singers do these things nowadays. After her song ‘the First Noel,’ she gave a little speech and said the song numbers are her gift to Santa Claus. It was her ‘mini Christmas caroling,’ she said.

After her mini concert I approached her and told her how I have been a fan of hers since her debut on the musical play ‘a Christmas Carol,’ which Santa and Mrs. Claus watched and applauded. She was really thankful for all the support she has received from me—even though the only support I gave her was to buy her Christmas album. Then, came out of the office was Santa Claus himself—the jolly man! He shook hands with the Miss Maria Shenova and gave her a friendly embrace. Santa Claus thanked her for her wonderful Christmas gifts, and told her that it inspired him more to give gifts to children around the world this Christmas.

This is a spectacular moment! Two of my most favorite persons are in front of me! I thought. I took out my camera in my backpack and said “Can we have a photo of the three of us?” before realizing it.

Now I have a photo of Santa Claus and Maria Shenova, with me in the middle, and their autographs.

Til next time!

Angel

Today is a very interesting day.

I had a quick stop for a cup of hot chocolate over at the Clauses. As usual, Saint was playing wonderful music pieces at the piano. Mrs. Claus was making the hot chocolate drink. Santa was not there, he was in departments of the operation Christmas Advent, supervising how things are going on.

I was sitting in the receiving room where they admitted guests. There was a really tall Christmas tree standing, ornamented by lights brightly shining like colorful fireflies. What was amazing was that the tree was real, and was planted deep in the ground. Inside their house. So this means that over time, the tree is growing. The lights on the trees seem to blink, dance, and beat along with Saint’s melody on his piano.

Then, Mrs. Claus came in. She was smiling and was carrying a tray of three steaming hot chocolate mugs. The scent of chocolate and cinnamon blending together—bitterness and sweet—contrasting the season’s chilling climate. Mrs. Claus sat down on a comfortable chair next to me and fixed her self. A very large glass window was behind her back.

“So how are you, my dear?” Mrs. Claus asked, smiling and taking a sip of her hot chocolate.
“Oh, I am very much fine. How are you, Mrs. Claus?”

“Ah, I am always fine and right now I am happy to receive you hear again. How are things in the Craft Workshop?”

“Busy, as always. We have been doing a lot, since Christmas is come closer and closer. I have never been this busy all my life, but I have never felt a sense of fulfillment, too. I am so glad and blessed that Santa Claus chose me to be the head designer.”

“Ah. It is because you are a very good artist, young one.” She said, laughing gently.
“Oh Mrs. Claus…” I said. I took a sip of my hot chocolate again and something flashed in my mind. Around the world, for many years already, during the eve of Christmas children will leave a glass of warm milk and some cookies beside the Christmas tree for Santa to eat. And when they awake on the following morning, the milk and cookies are gone. I asked about this to Mrs. Claus.

“So if he eats all those cookies and drinks all those milk… Doesn’t he get too full to move?”
“Oh heavens, what a question,” Mrs. Claus said. “Some of it he eats when he gets hungry—because surely when you’re traveling ‘round the world carrying a large bag of gifts you’ll get hungry. But some of it, he collects and gives it to his reindeers for refreshment.”

Til next time!

Angel

Steps in Making Easy Snowball Ornaments

Prepare the following materials: light bulbs, string, glue gun, scissor, white paint, crayons, and colored felt.

1. Paint the bulb at least two coats of paint.
2. Make the hat of the snowball. Dry it first, then, glue the hat on the light bulb.
3. Use a string to tie the hat.
4. Paint the eyes, face, nose and cheeks of the snowball, then, hang it.

Steps in Making Santa Craft

Prepare the following materials: brush, paints, craft foams, glue gun, cutter, string, scissor and cardboard.

1. Choose appropriate shapes for your ornaments.
2. Use a cardboard and, then, create a default format for the preferred ornament shapes.
3. Cut each formed shaped from the cardboard.
4. Use craft foam for the ornament shapes, then, adds a coat of paint around the foam.
5. Cut the formed shapes from the foam.
6. Place your default format onto the foam and drop onto it. Cut the formed shapes from the format.
7. Add paint on formed ornament shapes and dry it.
8. Hang the ornaments and apply glue gun to attach some colourful ribbons, then, let it dry again.

Steps in Making Edible Wreath

1. Prepare the following materials: pretzels, ribbon, glue sticks and scissors.
2. Use a glue gun to provide all the pretzels together and form a circle.
3. Be sure that the second layer of the pretzels meets the central part, then into the bottom layer.
4. Hang the pretzels with a festive ribbon.

Steps in Making Angel Ornament

Prepare the following materials: pinecone, sheet moss, dried leaves, ball, glue, paint, marker, ribbon, craft wire, spray paint, and thread.

1. Choose the best pinecone that has flat petals. Glue the dried leaves into pair, then, put decorations with the spray paint.
2. Add a layer of paint on the ball, and dry it. Then, you can draw the image on the ball using the black marker.
3. Stick the sheet moss into the ball.
4. Use a piece of wire to make a head of the angel. Use glue to stick on the ball.
5. Knot a thread at the back of the angel, then, hang it.

Sweet Reindeer Ornaments

Prepare the following materials: candy cane, brown pipe cleaner, 2 little wiggly eyes, pompom, ribbon, little jingle bell, and glue gun.

1. Slice the brown pipe cleaner into two equal parts.
2. Set the two halves close to each other.
3. Put the wrapped candy into the pipe cleaner, then, squeeze it tightly.
4. Create two antlers for the reindeer, short and long antler, then, grip and twist it tightly.
5. Attach the eyes of the reindeer by using hot glue.
6. Put the pompom on the candy cane that serves as a nose of the reindeer.
7. Put some ribbons on the bottom side of the cane. Add a couple of jingle bells so that it looks more fair one.

Those craft ideas mentioned above is fantastic activities for adults and children. So, try it now!

Today, Santa Claus chose this year’s Champion Reindeer. What is a Champion Reindeer? The Champion Reindeer is the one who got the most medals on the Reindeer exercises. That is why he or she would be called ‘Champion’. The Champion Reindeer then would lead all the Reindeers in the line of Santa’s sleigh.

The Champion Reindeer’s responsibility is very important during Santa’s expedition around the world. He is not merely pulling Santa Claus’ sleigh on the sky. There are a lot of things a Champion would do.

First of all, the Reindeer Champion is responsible to hold the ‘ruby medal’. The ruby medal is a special medal that glows in the night sky. This ruby medal receives information from the Reindeer Navigation Headquarters, where they detect via satellite Santa’s location while on expedition. The Reindeer Navigation Headquarters also captures images via satellite the weather condition of the location they are going to. For instance, in London in would be cloudy and there would be no visibility, then the Reindeer Champion will have to lead the other reindeers to a different route. Also, the Reindeer Navigation Headquarters also capture images via satellite alternative routes they can take, just in case the primary route is unavailable.

The Reindeer Navigation Headquarters send these kinds of information to the carrier of the ruby medal, the Reindeer Champion.

That said, we can assume that the Champion Reindeer is the ‘captain’ of Santa’s sleigh.
Also, the Champion Reindeer also calls the ‘rescue reindeers’. The rescue reindeers are task to respond to emergency calls in case there is a need. For instance, a reindeer is wounded and needs to be replaced, the Champion Reindeer uses the ruby medal to call on the rescue deer.

So today, Santa Claus chose the Champion Reindeer. It was Nashiyah, a female reindeer. The choosing of the Champion Reindeer was held like a celebration. Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer was there. He was the one who bestowed the ruby medal to Nashiyah. Rudolf gave his blessing to Nashiyah and gave a little speech, saying he is so happy to have another Champion Reindeer this year.

Santa Claus was happy, too. He knows that Operation Christmas Advent would be more successful. With Nashiya, Santa Claus said in his speech, he trusts that the expedition around the world would go smoothly. The celebration ended with a round of applause from the audience watching.

Angel

Today we celebrated the lantern festival.

The Lantern Festival is celebrated in honor of the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem. The Lantern Festival is a much-awaited event, especially for the youth.

The Lantern Festival started way back in the morning, where unlighted lanterns were walked around in a parade. Santa Claus was also in the parade, carried by his sleigh. This sleigh was pulled by a group of reindeers, including the newly elected Champion Reindeer with her ruby medal. She was proud and happy.

So that morning, a lot of child elves proudly presented their home made lanterns. Most of them were really, really pretty and I saw that the children put a lot of efforts in making them. They waved it as if the lanterns were flags symbolizing their victory.

The next program was held later that afternoon at the Central Ice Park, where everyone with big lanterns gathered. There in the Central Ice Park were merchandises stacked up in stalls. Food, treats, toys, clothes, and a lot more were being sold. These items were in special discounted price.

Then the choral group started singing on the Central Ice Park for Santa Claus. They were really, really good. They sang ‘Auld Lang Syne’, ‘Winter Wonderland’, and some other Christmas carols. The children watching had a really great time and the enjoyed it.

After the choral group singing, the ‘annual making of frosty’ was done. What is it? Well, it is a contest where people will make the best snowman. Then, dear old Santa Claus would come over and choose the one that stands out. When this is chosen, the Snow Fairy comes over and whispers to the ‘ears’ of frosty. That is what exactly happened earlier.

After the Snow Fairy whispered gently to his ears, he let out a jolly laugh! Then he started dancing, and singing along with the crowds.

To end the day, there was the second round of the lantern parade, but this time the lanterns were lit. It was heart warming to see lights gathering around. Floating lanterns were also lit up and filled the night sky. The choral sang along with this vista. Like fireflies, the floating lanterns gently flew up, and up, and up; higher as the wind blows gently. It was a really a spectacular event.

To topple it all up, everybody heard Santa Claus on the mic. He counted 3…2…1! Blast off! And then beautiful fireworks lit up the night sky.

Tracking Santa,
Angel

Gosh, the Christmas Rush here in the North Pole is really…on the rush. Earlier today, when I was going on my way to the Toy Factory and Craft Workshop, there was really heavy traffic on the main highway. And, oh my, that was a long line of sleighs. I came to know soon that a lot of people were trying to line up in the mall, and every single car was trying to park. That caused traffic. To sleighs accidentally hit each other, to aggravate the situation.

And then I went inside the market to grab can of juice drink—pineapple, my favorite (we do not grow pineapples much here). There was a LOT of people—more than the day I went on Christmas shopping. The people there were trying to shop for food they can cook for Christmas Eve. Turkey was sold out. Wine was going to be sold out soon as well. Cheese and pasta were being grabbed by a lot of people.

It took a lot of time when I lined up for the Cashier. The line of elves was equally long as the line of cars trying to park outside the market.

After work, I went straight to Ice Cap to visit Mrs. Claus’ cabin. When I got there, Saint was playing Christmas carols on the piano. It was really beautiful. Singing along the melodies of the piano was a big, tenor voice with a well-controlled vibrato, accompanied by the soulful singing of a mezzo-soprano. I got chills running down my spine. When I got to the family room, I saw the small family making music together. Mrs. Claus waved at me to go in and sit down. I think I lost myself listening to them.

Santa Claus was a really good singer, as well as Mrs. Claus. Saint is so exquisite on the piano. After the song, Mrs. Claus said Santa took a day off.

“I just felt like spending time with my family here, ho! Ho! Ho!” Santa, the jolly man said.

“Well, it is certainly a good bonding moment with you, dear,” Mrs. Claus said to him, embracing him and landing a gentle kiss on the cheek.

“You guys are so great,” I said. I really lost it. They were singing ‘Silent Night.’

“Well, little Angel, why don’t you sing with us?” Saint said, smiling.

“Oh…no, I can’t sing.”
“Come on, everyone can!” He said, pulling me along.

Well, luckily the Claus’s voices were so loud I couldn’t hear my own. That’s a good thing, I think.

And well, that was a day, Santa Trackers. Don’t worry, I’ll be writing again soon.

Til then,
Angel

Ideas and Tips for Christmas Wedding

Christmas Wedding Dress

The wedding attire for the occasion should be themed for Christmas so that they will match with all the decorations that will be found in all the locations you are likely to visit. If you choose to have an outdoor affair you can be creative with the colors and themes so as to blend the two celebrations in one.

Wedding Cake

This cake can be the classic Christmas fruit cake decorated with your choice of colors. The other alternative is a vanilla or chocolate cake which can be kept in the fridge by those taking some of the cake home.

Decorations and Themes

When decorating the venue include the regular Christmas décor; a decorated Christmas tree, tinsel, mistletoe, fake snow, a nativity set or Santa and the reindeer, wreaths. This will make for an interesting theme when blended with your choice of wedding colors.

Flowers

White is the color of flowers to go with at this time of the year. The color symbolizes purity, innocence, cleanliness and peace. You can choose from roses, lilies, orchids, carnations and wild flowers depending on your budget. The flowers can be arranged in bunches or singularly in the church, the reception area and the bouquets for the bride and her maids. The guests can also receive a flower each if your budget allows for this addition. Accentuate the white theme with poinsettias and wreaths decorated for Christmas.

Food

Carefully consider how you can mix and match a classic Christmas meal with foods that are common to weddings. Some cultures prepare dishes which are unique to wedding ceremonies. This being a Christmas wedding, you will have to figure out how to combine the traditional Christmas meal with the dishes served at weddings. A little of both will keep most of the guests happy as they will have sampled the best of both meals.

Christmas Wedding Gifts

You have been invited to a wedding on Christmas making your choice of gifts endless. The gifts can be simple yet practical for both the bride and the groom. Jewelry, watches, scents for him and her can be found in most shops. Shopping vouchers at a popular location will enable the couple to purchase items of their choice when they settle into the routine of being husband and wife. Some couples cannot afford a honeymoon; organize a romantic get-away all expenses paid with a little extra for souvenirs.

Christmas Invitations for Wedding

These can be Christmas themed to go with the season. Ensure that the card clearly indicates the occasion so that it is not mistaken to be a Christmas card. Here again the Christmas themes and colors need to be incorporated thus making the card both interesting and unique. Ribbons, wreaths, Santa, the Nativity Scene can be added in the creation of the invitation. The card is best kept simple yet tasteful as it blends the Christmas and wedding themes.

Christmas Wedding Music

Announce the arrival of the bride at the church with the jingle of bells. Better still find a hand bell orchestra to play the bridal march with bells. Have the choir lead the congregation in singing your favorite Christmas hymns and carols during the church ceremony. At the reception you can have a live band or orchestra to play gay classical, jazz or pop ballads. Have choice of songs that guests will enjoy from several periods. If the cost of the band or orchestra is out of reach, look for a DJ who will do justice to the grand occasion.