The Eve of The Eve '08

Christmas Eve Eve... The Eve of THE Eve.... December 23rd.

Most everything seems to be looking good and on-track for this to be the best Christmas Eve ever! The only 'glitch' at the moment is the weather across North America and parts of northern Europe & Asia. We are not yet able to confirm our final flight plan. (note: There is much more information on my weather report at Underground Weather.... check it out by clicking on the link.) That has a ripple effect that impacts where we position replenishment inventory, etc. The good news is, we seem to be firming up on our Naughty and Nice list. (A word of warning... there are a few of you out there on the borderline. Don't think you are safe just yet! Keep being nice!)

As far as today goes... all I can say is "Wow". 1 hour of sleep and then it was back to full speed. It was an exciting morning. I knew as soon as the alarm went off that it was about to be a mad rush to the Christmas Eve finish line. It's 24 hours a day right through the final delviery.

I started my morning with a run. It was snowing heavily but I needed the time to clear my head. There is a lot going on this time of year and even I can get a little stressed.... but the run helped quite a bit. By the time I had gone home, ate breakfast, changed into my work clothes, and headed across the village square to the Head Quarters, the team was already in full force. Everyone was hustling around with last minute preparations.

In addition to the normal mall appearances, I also had staff meetings, a few media appearances, parades, and a brief tour of the production, distribution, and replenishment centers. I can tell you after the tours and staff meetings that overall readiness is very good. It may be the best we have ever been. 2008 is going to be a very good Christmas!

The rest of the day is pretty busy as well. I have another staff meeting, a last minute negotiation with Iraq over airspace rights, and a few media appearances. Then, I'm going to enjoy a nice late dinner with Mrs. Claus in a few hours (closer to 11pm), then at the stroke of midnight, Operation Christmas Eve 2008 officially kicks in. I'm not going to be the only one going non-stop... Mrs. Claus basically orchestrates the entire Christmas Eve operation from the North Pole. She is the one at the command center who calls all the shots. Jingle, as my Chief of Staff, plays a critical role in overseeing the execution of the night's operational plan but Mrs. Claus is in charge overall. She keeps an eye on the big picture, sets the priorities for the night, and approves any changes to plan. Alot of TV shows picture her handing over a scarf and admonishing me to be careful as I leave and then meeting me with hot chocolate and cookies upon my return. The silliness of the suggestion that I'd even consider another cup of hot chocolate or cookies after a night of feasting on it at virtually every house aside, Mrs. Claus is actually in the Command Center, focused on the night's activities. The night's operation doesn't end when the sleigh touches down at the North Pole either. The operation is officially underway until we have verified all the gifts were delivered to their intended destinations, the sleigh is moved to the hangar, the reindeer are fed & examined by our medical teams, and all Centers except the Command Center are shut-down for the night. I am typically at home and waiting for Mrs. Claus with hot chocolate and cookies when she gets home.

Speaking of getting home, I've got a few emails to answer and a phone call to make before I go meet Mrs Claus for that late dinner. Have a good night. Go to bed early, kids!