IT WON’T BE long now before the faint sound of sleigh bells will be heard in Irish skies.
In a number of media interviews today Santa confirmed all the little girls and boys in Ireland are on his good list and that means he has, as government ministers like to say, a job of work to do before the night is out.
The Irish Aviation Authority has granted permission for multi-point landing for the low-flying sleigh. Ireland’s Minister for Transport confirmed Santa and his team of reindeer would be landing at or near the homes of boys and girls all across the country – but only when they’re tucked up asleep in bed.
I am informed by the IAA that it has been told that a very large man with a white beard and bright red suit will be operating a low flying sleigh with eight reindeer being led by one with a big red nose. Children are being encouraged to be even better behaved than normal and to make sure they snuggle up in bed early after washing their faces and brushing their teeth early tomorrow evening. Children who don’t go to bed are unlikely to get the presents they asked for in their letters, most of which were posted in November.
Donohoe also said he had been assured the country’s stock of milk, biscuits and carrots is sufficient for everyone to leave a snack for Santa and his reindeer.
“This will help Santa, Rudolph and the rest of his team on their travels on Christmas Eve,” he said.
The Irish Air Corps has said its crews are on standby should Santa need any help. Last year, crews were involved in a special mission to escort Santa into Irish airspace and prepare a landing site in the Phoenix Park so the reindeer could refuel.
His advance party of elves will be aboard the Initial Santa Sleigh (ISS) which will pass over Ireland at 5.20pm this evening for a final check of who is on the nice and naughty lists.
According to the official Norad Santa Tracker, the big man has already delivered over one billion presents. He is currently visiting homes in Asia, where it is night time and children are sleeping soundly.
You can track his progress with your little ones here. And don’t forget to watch Santa Claus’ special Christmas message for our readers.
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