Well hello there, boys and girls! This is Mrs. Claus again, "blogging" to you one more time on Christmas Eve. Mr. Claus and the reindeer have just taken off for their Flight Night deliveries, and I thought I'd take a few moments to give you the details of his send-off, and wish each one of you a wonderful, warm, Merry Christmas.

Their departure was very special. All the elves who were still awake, and all the animals who help us here at the North Pole, all gathered around to watch. Mr. Bonderaunt, Ms. Tinselcom, as well as our delightful little penguin friend from the South Pole, Bill, all watched as Mr. Instubble harnessed the reindeer to the sleigh, then festooned them with lovely bells and holly sprigs. Rudolph took his place at the front, where his very shiny nose shone like a crimson comet. Then Mr. Claus climbed inside, checked his instruments, and with a thumb's-up to Mr. Bonderaunt and a wink at me, he shouted his command, the same thing he calls out every year:

Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen!

On Comet! On Cupid! On Donder and Blitzen!

From the top of the world to the kids large and small,

Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!

And with that the ten of them lifted slowly up and into the gathering night. It was truly lovely. It always brings tears to my eyes to see my beloved Mr. Claus doing the single thing in the world that makes him the happiest. I'm so proud of him, and filled with delight every Christmas that he can make so many people, young and old, so happy.

It's been such a special year for us, with so many adventures. I heard from Cupid before they departed that she placed the tiny alpaca hat I knitted for the mysterious Mr. Mipps in the secret place by the barn, and that when she looked again later, it had been received. This is wonderful, since it means the little mouse won't have cold ears on Christmas Day.

I'm going to finish my cocoa and head off to bed now, while Mr. Claus is at work. But I'll be thinking of each one of you, and hoping your Christmas is as special as each one of you are. Mr. Claus and I love you all so dearly!

Merry, merry Christmas.

Love and Kisses,

Mrs. Claus