THANKSGIVING!!

Hey there kids!
I've gotten quite a few e-mails and I have sat with Santa, and read them ALL! Whew! You guys sure know how to keep me busy!
I will find time to be sure and respond! :)
Santa has also written a few letters to some special kiddos. He even included a candy cane! Anywho,
Thanksgiving is coming up really fast! How many of you have fun Thanksgiving Traditions? I want hear them! We need some new ones around here. We've been doing the same thing for about 350 years...
I have a fun idea!
Here is a fun picture for you guys to color! It turns out to be a beautiful, colorful TURKEY!
Have your mom or dad print it out, you color it as pretty as you can, have them take a picture of you with your colored turkey, e-mail it to (notesforsanta@live.com) me and Santa, and we will share a few here on the website! Santa LOVES getting pictures!!
Click on the picture to make it larger, then print!
I sure hope you all had a FUN HALLOWEEN! What did you dress up as?
Well, my short break is over. Daphne, the wrapping elf, is out with a cold and I a filling in...if any of you get a really poorly-wrapped present, it was me! Hey! I'm doing my best!

-Orophin

I remember when....

Hey guys!
I was just sitting during break with Nelsa, my friend...just a friend...promise. Even though her blue eyes are beautiful and sparkly. The sparkles on her pretty face bring out her rosy cheeks and her smile...is perfect.
Ahem, anyway, I was just visiting with my friend Nelsa about past Christmases. We've been around for a few hundred-or-so of them , so we have had our fair share of fun.
There was one particular Christmas we were talking about. A few years ago, in the year 1922, there was a great snow storm. Santa, of course, is very brave and has seen the worst snow storms ever, so this didn't make him flinch, but Rudolph, oh boy--he was scared!

It was Christmas eve, all the eleves were quickly wrapping last minute gifts for the little boys and girls who made it on the Nice List and while Santa was frantically searching for his boots, Roland (Head elf of Reindeer Training)couldn't find Rudolph.

Now, remember, this was only Rudolph's 5th year as part of the Christmas Flight crew, so a storm like this REALLY made his knees shake!
Everyone was calling around for him, "Rudolph! Where are you! We need to hurry! WHERE ARE YOU?!" I searched the kitchen, Nelsa searched the Christmas Tree Forest and Roland was searching everywhere! Santa was concerned, but knew exactly what to do! He went to the office, and over the loud speaker sang, 'Rudolph, the red nosed reindeer! Had a very shiny nose! ..." He sang the whole song! And everyone joined in. Do you know that song? Sing it!
Once Rudolph heard that song, he came out from hiding under the hay bales and said, 'I'm scared, Santa! That is a big storm and I am not quite sure I can do it. I don't want to let you down."
Santa said to Rudolph, with his arm around him, "Rudolph, the only way you could let me down is if you didn't try at all. Everyone gets scared, but if you at least give it a try, almost 99% of the time, you will succeed."
Wow. All of us elves stood around and listened. Rudolph, lifted his head high and said, "Santa, I will try!" Everyone cheered, Roland hooked Rudolph up at the front of the sleigh! The HUGE doors opened to outside, a gust of wind and snow came flurrying in and Rudolph flew the best he had ever flown before!
That was a wonderful Christmas. Have you ever been scared to try something? I know I have. But after listening to Santa, I think we all can try something we think is hard and succeed! Triumph= try plus a little "umph".
What is something you have succeeded at? Were you scared to try? Leave a comment and let us know! Santa would LOVE to hear!!
Well, I'm done with my break. Talk to you soon!
-Orophin

One of our favorite movies...

Elf is one of our favorite movies up here at The North Pole!

Click on the link in GREEN below (with your parent's permission)

to watch some of our favorite moments in the movie!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zhy_5aD7ks&feature=related

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE?

Snow Storm, We lost Frosty, and Spaghetti

Alright kids,
We just had a MAJOR snow storm! So major, in fact, WE LOST FROSTY IN THE SNOW STORM!
I can't find him anywhere!
Anyway, I guess, if you see a button nose anywhere...let me know. That means we're getting close!!

Santa wanted me to remind you kids of the Nice List. He said, "If those kids want to be on the nice list, the need to make their bed each morning and pick up their toys each night. Santa can't leave presents for messy kids!"

He was absolutely serious, too. Why would Santa bring more toys if you can't take care of the ones you have now?!
Please keep it nice and tidy! What if Santa tripped over your toys on Christmas Eve? That would not be good.
---------------
Update from Mrs. Clause's Kitchen!
Last night, since it was a blistering cold storm, Santa requested Mrs. Clause's special Christmas Spaghetti. It was SO GOOD, I begged her to share it with you guys! Let me know how it goes!

Mrs. Clause's Special Christmas Spaghetti


INGREDIENTS:


6 - 8 oz cans of Tomato Sauce (any brand will work)

1 lb of ground beef (or turkey)

1 package of Hillshire Farm Polska Kielbasa Sausage (there are options for Turkey, beef or pork--choose whichever you like!)










1 Packet of Spaghetti Seasoning (any brand or variation will do fine!)

4 TBS of Italian Seasoning

You will be preparing this in either a large pot or crock-pot. Preparation is the same for both!

First, pull out a pan and brown the ground beef until cooked thoroughly while seasoning it with 2 TBSP of Italian Seasoning. Mix the seasoning in very well!

While the beef is cooking, open all 6 cans of tomato sauce and pour them into your pot! Add 2 cans of water.

Next, Ope your Kielbasa Sausage and cut them into 1 inch pieces like shown:

Add the sausage to your sauce in the pot.

Pour in the packet of Spaghetti Seasoning and add the other 2 TBSP of Italian seasoning. Stir well.

Once the beef is done, add it to your sauce pot using a holed ladle to strain the excess grease!

Let that simmer in your crock-pot for as long as needed (checking moisture level so it wont dry out. add 1/4 cup of water at a time to keep moist till dinner)

Or, boil on medium/low for an hour in a regular pot on the stove.

Pour over cooked noodles ad enjoy with salad and garlic bread!

I hope you enjoy it! Now, I'm off to let out Santa's pants--AGAIN! At least I know my cooking keeps his belly shakin' like a bowl full of jelly!

Love,

Mrs. Clause

----------------

YUM! I loved it. Had 2 servings myself...

Be sure to thank Mrs. Clause for sitting down and typing all of that! Whew!

Well kids, I am off to hunt for Frosty...I wonder where he blew off to...

Clean your rooms!

-Orophin

Dear Parents...

We have had a volume of people find us via their google search of "Help kids clean", "Help mom", etc.
Santa has currently put me to work on a project of a "check list", where the kids can print of the list and help you out. This will be criteria for kids to make it on the "Nice List".

Any suggestions, just send them our way at notesforsanta@live.com
Let us help you out!
Santa is more than willing to put together a list of specifics!
THANKS PARENTS!!

-Orophin

I'm baaaaaaack!

YOU GUYS!
It has been crazy!
Christmas 2011 is pretty soon!

How has everyone been?!

Here's a little update:
Well, my friend Nelsa is on the party planning committee and is busy planning our Halloween party for this year.
I was thinking of being The Easter Bunny for Halloween, but I am not so sure that is the way to go. I mean, the Easter Bunny himself will be there and....yeah. He might be offended. HA!
What do you think I should be for Halloween?!
And please tell me what YOU are going to be for Halloween!!
YAY! I am so happy to be back!
Ok,
I am off to shop for Halloween decorations with Nelsa...

See ya soon!
Orophin!!

Reindeer Updates!!

Well,

Santa's friend Charley e-mailed asking about the reindeer! Santa insisted I get on and update you all on their progress for this year's trip around the world.

Every year I train the reindeer and get them back into shape from their long break!

We work on flying, running, their invisiblility and general appearance.

So far they are a little sluggish. They took too much time off!

Silly reindeer!

Dancer is actually fairly well, but let's just say he'll be laying off the Egg Nog until Christmas is over!

Do you have any suggestions for me on how to better prepare them for the annual Christmas Night Flight?

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

Well kiddos Christmas is fast approaching. I get so excited for this time of year. Christmas always makes me so happy. I love the snow, Christmas lights, Christmas trees, Cookies, Hot Cocoa, Christmas music and so much more. It is always so much fun to get ready for Christmas. Right now I am decorating another tree at my home. I like to have a lot of trees. I would love to see some pictures of your Christmas trees!!! If you could send them to me I will be sure to post some of them on here. Here is a picture of one of my favorite trees!!

Love,

Orophin

Thanksgiving...

Well hello kids!!

I bet you are wondering what I've been up to. Let's just say that 'Nice List' is getting longer and longer which means I'm super busy getting more presents put together!


Do any of you remember what Holiday is next week? Pleas, oh please tell me you remember!

It's T H A N K S G I V I N G!!
Yes! Yes! Turkey day!


Mrs. Claus sure makes a yummy turkey.


I have to say, there's one fellow that lives in Utah. I'd share his name, but then you'd all be lining up at his front door asking for his secret recipe for his amazing homemade mustard. If you're a fan of sauces and dips, this is one you'd fall in love with for sure!




Every year, Santa says, "Orophin, call that mister down in Utah and ask for a jar of his mustard. I simply can't eat my turkey without it!" So, I do. I call him up, he makes a perfect jar and Santa is a happy turkey on Thanksgiving. Maybe, Just maybe I could get that nice fellow to give me permission to share his recipe. It is so GOOD!!



Well, we've gotten lots of letters and fan mail now that it's getting closer to Christmas. I hope you kids know that Santa thinks about every one of you. Even though he can't return every letter with a note, he thinks it's wonderful getting letters, so keep them coming!



Have you all been working hard on helping others? Remember, that's a real factor when we decide who makes it onto the 'Nice List'.
Some ideas, if you need some, are:







Help your brother or sister make their bed








Help your mom put the laundry away







Help clean up a room












Offer to help your mom vacuum










Tell your family you love them







Those are just a few ideas, but you all are so smart, I am sure you can think of some more!

Well, I better be going. Mrs. Claus is throwing a HUGE New Moon Party. Yes, Edward is just as popular up here in the frigid North Pole. The women elves up here are nuts about that guy.
Sheesh... Edward and his glistening Skin. You'd think he was Santa or something.



Anyway, I will check in soon!!

Go ahead and leave a comment below of things YOU are thankful for!

I am thankful for: Santa, Mrs.Claus and her yummy hot chocolate, Snow, Christmas Spirit, my home, and lots more!!

Stay warm kids!

Love,
Orophin

Busy Busy Busy

I am so excited to tell you about all the fun things that are going on here at the North Pole! We have been really busy making lots of candy and toys!! I am excited because I get to help wrap them all up!! I love wrapping gifts. We get to use so many really beautiful papers. I love the paper that has pictures of snow men and Santa. I helped out in the candy making department the other day and had a blast!!!! I love candy! We made candy canes, chocolate candies, caramels, fudge and so many other yummy stuff. We even started to make plans for Thanksgiving dinner. I love Thanksgiving! Each year Mrs. Clause asks everyone to pick one side dish that they want to have. Then we get to help make that side dish for dinner. I always pick pink stuff. I love that stuff!!! So I wanted to share it with you so that you could also have it for Thanksgiving if you wanted. Let me know if you try it and like it.

2 can of fruit cocktail

1 tub of whip cream

1 tub of cottage cheese (8 oz)

1 box of pink jell-o ( I like the strawberry kind!)

½ bag of marshmallows

All you have to do is mix everything together in a bowl and refrigerate for 1 hr.

I hope you enjoy!

Love,

Orophin

Naughty and Nice List

Thank you for all of your ideas on things to write about. I think those are all great. Keep letting me know if you think of other things you would like to hear about. I think the first one I am going to write about is the naughty or nice list. Since Christmas is coming up so fast I think this one will help all of you stay on the nice list.

So some of the things that help you stay on the nice list are:

Helping mom and dad around the house

Brushing your teeth every morning and night

Doing your homework if you go to school

Doing service for others

Not teasing or making fun of other kids

Eating your fruits and vegetables

Cleaning your room

Obeying your parents

Writing letters to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s

Being nice to your brothers and sisters

Some things that will keep you off the nice list are:

Talking back to your parents

Being a bully at school

Not listening to your teachers

Making a mess and not cleaning it up

Not sharing your toys

Lying or telling fibs

Taking things that don’t belong to you

Not obeying your parents

Trying to hurt others feelings

Complaining

There are so many things that can keep you on and off the nice list. But what is most important is that you try your best. Santa knows when you are trying. Just remember to always look for ways to be nice and to help others and you will for sure be on the nice list. If you don’t think you are on the nice list just keep trying to be better and I know you will make it on the nice list.

What are some other things that would keep you on the nice list?

Love,

Orophin

Halloween Costume

Well the votes are in!! I am going to be candy corn for Halloween. I am excited. Mrs. Clause said she would help me with the costume. I am really excited to dress up and go to the party this year. We are going to have so many good treats and lots of dancing. I love to dance. When I hear music I cant help but start to move and dance. Music makes me so happy.

So I am having a little bit of writers block. I just don't know what you kids would like to hear about. So if you don't mind taking a min to leave a comment to let me know that would be really great!

Well I better be going. We are still working very hard on all of the toys for Christmas.

Love,

Orophin

Fun food!

We thought you might like to try this. We had a blast making them this weekend!! Let me know how you like it!

Pear Witch Project

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This ghoulish girl is quite a sight, with her shocking orange hair. Her hat's a cone, her mouth an apple, her head is half a pear!

Ingredients

• Sharp knife
• Fresh green pear (makes 2 heads and noses)
• 2 raisins (eyes)
• 1 chocolate chip (wart)
• Red apple (mouth)

• Canned chocolate frosting
• Oreo ice-cream cone (hat)
• Large, soft chocolate cookie (hat); we used an Archway Dutch Cocoa Cookie
• Carrot (hair) and grater

Instructions

1. Cut the pear in half lengthwise and remove the core (a parent's job). Place one pear half on a plate as shown.

2. Slice a piece off the top of the pear, cutting away from the forehead at an angle. Shape that piece into a nose; carve a notch into the witch's face to hold it, and set it in place.

3. Attach the eyes and wart by carving small circles in the face to hold them.

4. Cut a grin from the red apple. Carve out an area on the face to hold the grin, and put it in place.

5. To make the hat, use frosting to glue the cone to the cookie. Let the frosting harden a bit, then place the hat on the head.

6. Grate lengths of carrot hair and tuck them underneath the hat. Tip: If your child is too young to handle a knife, cut the nose and mouth and have him assemble the face with frosting.

And the winner is...

Well boys and girls we have a winner!!! So many of you wrote in about what you did this week to help out your family. I am so impressed. There was one person who really did a lot!!! So the winner is……………………………………. Rissa Goodsell!!!! So Rissa I just need you to email me your address and you will get a special little gift from Santa and I. Congratulations and keep up the good work!!

Shrinking Islands

I played a really fun game the other night. I thought you all would like to give it a go too!! Let me know what you think. The directions are below.

WHAT YOU NEED:
	A few old towels
	Music source

HOW TO PLAY:
1. Before play begins, place a few old towels on the floor, making sure the group of towels offers just enough standing room for all of the players.

2. As in musical chairs, players must walk around in a circle whenever the music is playing. When the music stops, each player scrambles to stand on a towel (several players might be able to fit on one towel, depending on its size). Players are allowed to clutch onto a friend so that they can squeeze onto an island. Any player who can't stand with both feet on an island is out.

3. After each round, an island is folded (to reduce the available standing room) or removed entirely. You may want to switch to a hand towel or a washcloth for the final rounds. The last person standing on an island wins.

Love,

Orophin

Dentist Fun!!

Well the trip to the dentist went great! The only bad thing was I had a cavity. So they had to put a filling in. The dentist told me that I need to be sure to brush my teeth really well. I eat sugar all the time so I thought that I would have one. So he told me that while I was brushing that I should sing Jingle Bells while brushing my teeth. That way by the time the song is over I know I have brushed them long enough. I think that dentist is a smart man. Thank goodness Santa told me to go to him.

Oh I am so happy about all of the comments. I have missed all of you kids. Thank you for all of your ideas on what I should be for Halloween. It is such a hard decision every year. But so much fun also.

So today I have a new fun project. Santa and I have been thinking about a fun little competition for you guys! Here at the North Pole we do something called "Christmas spirit moments" It is a lot of fun. We thought we would see what you guys could come up with also.

What is Christmas Spirit Moments? Well it is something you do for others. Something that helps them out. For example. The other day Jaellyra, my sister, woke up late and didn't have time to make her bed so I snuck in and made it for her. So they are secret gifts that you give to the people you love. So we want you to try to do that everyday for a week and then send an email to Santa. Then we will pick a winner and they will get a special little something from Santa himself!!

So get started and let us know!!

Love,
Orophin

Last nights adventures!

What an exciting night we had last night. We have all been working so hard to make sure everything is finished for Christmas, so Mrs. Clause decided that since we were all working so hard we needed to have a fun little break. Oh and let me tell you it was a blast!!! She is such a smart lady. Well what we did was some little competitions. They were so fun! We did things like: Who could make the biggest snowman, who could decorate a Christmas tree the fastest, Who could gift wrap the most gifts and then who could drink the hot cocoa the fastest. We have some really fast elfs. It was so much fun! Mrs. Clause sure knows how to throw a party. Oh and that hot cocoa was so good!!

Today will be a good day too!! I get to go to the dentist! I love going to the dentist. He is so nice. He always makes sure my teeth are healthy and strong. I used to be afraid but then I realized He is my friend. So now I am not afraid. I will let you all know how it goes.

Love,
Orophin

P.S. What should I be for Halloween? What are you going to be?

Where has the time gone!!!!

Oh my goodness... where has the time gone. I have been so busy with getting toys and candy made for Christmas this year that I forgot to write. There have been so many good little boys and girls this year that we are working around the clock to try and get everything done. But don't worry Santa reminded me that it is very important that I not forget to write everyday. So I will be sure to post. How have your summers been? I hope you had fun this year. I am so excited to hear about all the fun you had. So leave a note and let me know!!

Love,
Your pal, Orophin

Happy News!

I have finally decided that I am going to take all of the wonderful advice that you gave and I am going to give them all of those. I need to get working on that! Santa and Mrs. Clause said that they would help me get it all together. You know Mrs. Clause is a wonderful cook! I asked her if I could post another recipe and she said that would be wonderful! So here it is!

"Santa's Whisker's" cookies

Makes 60

3/4 cup Margarine
2 cups Flour
3/4 cup Sugar
1 tablespoon Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla
3/4 cup finely chopped candied red or green cherries
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
3/4 cup coconut

Beat margarine with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add about half the flour, the sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat till thoroughly combined. Stir in remaining flour. Stir in cherries and pecans. Shape into 8-inch rolls. Roll in coconut. Wrap in wax paper; chill 2- 24 hours. Cut into 1/4-inch slices. Place on an un-greased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Cool cookies on a wire rack. Makes about 60.


So give that a try and let me know what you think! Mrs. Clause is such a nice lady!

The other day I was talking with some of the other Elf's and one asked me what I would like to if I was not an elf. I thought this was a crazy question because I LOVE being and Elf. But it got me thinking. What would I be. I think it would be fun to work for Toys R Us or something like that! I also think it would be fun to be a firefighter or police officer. They are always out making sure we are all safe. So I have a question for you.... what do you want to be when you are all grown up???

Well I have to go! I have so to do before Christmas and my Hot cocoa break is over!!

Love your buddy,
Orophin

Oh Holy Night!

Well kiddos as you can guess things are crazy here at the North Pole! December is always busy, but this year we are supper busy because there are so many good boys and girls!!! Thanks so much Chloe, Ryan and Emily for giving me that nice reminder. Sometimes I just need a little reminder! So let me tell you all the fun things that have been going on at the North Pole. We have all the toys made but now we need to work on all the fun stockings fillers!! I have been busy trying to figure out what to get my Mother and Father! I have found the perfect gift for Santa!! I am getting him new mittens to wear for Christmas next year. I am so excited they are red and gold!! I am so excited! Now I just really have to think of what to get momma elf and papa elf. You know they are so good to me. I just love them so much! Hey maybe you guys could help give me some idea!!! What do you think I should get for them? Oh no I have to go the candy machine just ran out of sugar! Talk to you all soon!!!

Love,
Orophin