The Chronicles Of Grant County
Begins Flight Around The World From
Southwest New Mexico
Santa Claus and the nine reindeer began their worldwide flight late last night from Southwest New Mexico. Keen eyes might be able to see the jolly old elf on his sleigh being led by Rudolph and the eight other reindeer in the night sky over Grant County that is highlighted in the yellow circle. (The photograph was provided courtesy of the United States Forest Service.)
The Chronicles Of Grant County is now able to confirm – with 100% certainty – that Santa Claus has been in town for the past week. Further, The Chronicles Of Grant County is also able to report – exclusively – that Santa Claus took off in his sleigh late last night from an undisclosed location in Southwest New Mexico.
The sleigh was led by Rudolph. Joining the red-nosed reindeer were Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dancer, Dasher, Donner, Prancer, and Vixen. The goal is to make deliveries in each time zone before the start of Christmas Day.
Each of the reindeer was well-rested after a week of visiting different sites within the region.
Reports of reindeer sightings near Lake Roberts can now be confirmed. Vixen was one of the two reindeer seen by "Sam" and their friend in the Gila National Forest.
(As noted in an earlier edition of The Chronicles Of Grant County, "Sam" is a pseudonym for the individual who was in the forest that day even though they were supposed to be working remotely for a big tech company. "Sam" was in the company of another individual who also was supposed to be working remotely. That second person, while declining to answer any questions directly, did shake their head up and down when asked if they, too, saw the reindeer.)
In addition to Lake Roberts, the reindeer also visited Deming, Lordsburg, Reserve, and Santa Clara. These were the locations where The Chronicles Of Grant County determined previously that fresh birch and willow tree leaves had been delivered in boxes addressed to "S.C."
While The Chronicles Of Grant County cannot – ethically – disclose what was heard in a telephone conversation that was accidentally made accessible to The Chronicles Of Grant County, it can now be reported that the telecommunications system at the North Pole has been upgraded. The risk of an accidental three-way telephone conference call has now been reduced.
In an interview – an exclusive interview – with Santa Claus, The Chronicles Of Grant County was able to ask the jolly old elf about his visit to Southwest New Mexico as well as his plans for the largest global gift-giving event.
The interview took place just outside of Silver City on Saturday morning. The Chronicles Of Grant County agreed to publish the interview only after Santa Claus and the reindeer had cleared American airspace on their way to the South Pacific.
"I enjoy visiting Southwest New Mexico," said Santa Claus. "It's a great place to relax and to enjoy the landscape. The reindeer love the area as well. They get a chance to visit with their friends in the Gila as well as other nearby wilderness areas."
"Another reason I like coming here is the ability to have some quiet time," he continued. "This allows me to finalize the plans for the worldwide trip. Arrangements need to be made with each and every nation. Loud noises from the elves, as they finish some of our toys, can sometimes interfere with those telephone calls with leaders throughout the world."
Santa Claus noted how changes that have occurred just in the past couple of weeks impacted his itinerary.
"We've seen changes in the leadership in Syria," Santa Claus said. "There have been some potential changes in South Korea. We have to work with all aspects of society in each country. Santa is honored to be able to negotiate safe transit with every nation. I have found that people throughout the world love their children and want the best for them."
"I am pleased to let everyone know that the new leaders in Syria have indicated that we will have full access to Syrian airspace to make our gift deliveries," he continued. "Other countries and individual groups within several countries have also confirmed that we will be able to make our deliveries to children without any difficulties."
"The leaders of Ukraine and Russia have each confirmed that their airspaces will be open for our transport," Santa Claus added. "Civilian and military officials in both nations have indicated that they have warm memories of Santa Claus visiting them when they were children. All would like their own children to experience that same joy."
When asked if he had any advice for local folks in Southwest New Mexico, Santa Claus indicated that he did have some suggestions.
"For each child, please get to bed early tonight so that I can make a delivery to your home," said Santa Claus. "The elves have put together the lists of all the good little boys and good little girls in Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, and Luna Counties. I am very pleased that some of the children who told me last year that they would be better this year have fulfilled their commitments."
"Santa knows that some children may not be quite as good as they could be, but so long as a child is willing to strive to be better, Santa will always encourage that goal," he continued. "This also applies to children at heart. Each of us can always strive to be better."
"Tomorrow morning, children living all around the world will wake up to love," Santa Claus concluded. "I realize that not everyone will be able to get everything that they may want, but I am an optimist at heart. Through the eyes of children grows the love that provides the joy for this season and year-round."
"Merry Christmas!"
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