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Live Music from the North Pole!
Written By Susie Bramhall
Photo Credits: HQ NORAD and USNORTHCOM Public Affairs, Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher, Charles Marsh, Lt. Cmdr. Gary Ross
It’s always a favorite time of year for many when flurries of snow start to dance through the air and a crisp cool breeze reminds us that the holidays are in full swing. There’s something just so magical about the season…whether it’s strolling down the streets with family looking into store windows at all the decorations, grabbing a hot cocoa with friends at a local coffee shop, or cozying up with your favorite blanket by the fireplace searching up gifts online. It’s fun, festive and the enchanting holiday cheer that certainly brings out the kid in us all. It’s that same childlike anticipation for those who look forward to the NORAD Tracks Santa program year after year.
So, it’s a special treat to once again chat with NORAD Tracks Santa Program Manager, Preston Schlachter, who marks this year as his 11th of being associated with the NORAD Tracks Santa program. Preston is always wonderful and insightful sharing extra tidbits on what it takes to share this amazing program with the world.
STM: Welcome, Preston! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me today! So, let’s start with the thousands of calls to the call center on December 24th. I already know NORAD Tracks Santa enthusiasts of all ages dial in, but do you have any idea how many come from kids?
SCHLACHTER: This is difficult to answer because our volunteers answer approximately 85,000 calls in just one day. Nearly every call I’ve answered include the parents, friends, or family members for a fun family experience.
STM: I know you have wonderful volunteers who jump on the phones each year. Is there a minimum age requirement to volunteer?
SCHLACHTER: All volunteers must be at least 15 years old and we do encourage our volunteers to enjoy the experience with family members!
STM: Is NORAD Tracks Santa available to everyone…anywhere in the world?
SCHLACHTER: NORAD Track Santa is available anywhere there is internet or cell phone coverage.
STM: Of the kids who call in on December 24, I’m sure they are of all ages, along with parents, grandparents and other family members.
SCHLACHTER: We have so many people that call who have participated for generations. And that is one of the neat things about the program…how multigenerational it is. Some people call in individually, but a lot of calls come in as a family unit where kids, parents, family and friends are all calling in on speakerphone.
STM: I’m sure a few of the kiddos have asked a funny question or two. Do you recall a memorable one?
SCHLACHTER: I once took a call from a child who was more interested in sharing his knowledge of Santa versus asking any questions. He was certain that Santa’s sleigh used stealth technology, which is why he is so hard to see in his neighborhood.
STM: Too funny! And sweet! So, of all the questions asked by kids, what is the most common one?
SCHLACHTER: One of the most common questions is, “What is Santa’s favorite cookie?” Since we only track Santa and are not really sure about some of his personal preferences, we encourage them to give Santa their favorite cookie.
STM: Although Santa stays busy with so many stops around the world, how does NTS decide which stops to showcase during his travels?
SCHLACHTER: Only Santa knows his route, NORAD just tracks Santa.
STM: Got it! I know kids – and adults alike – love your activities page and games…especially as a different game is revealed each day. Can you share a little bit about this?
SCHLACHTER: NORAD keeps the NORAD Tracks Santa website fresh and fun each holiday season! The website offers a daily countdown clock, new games, videos, holiday activities and information about NORAD and holiday traditions around the world. Games are revealed daily, with some being new while others are fan favorites.
Wow! So much fun for families of all ages to find a ton to do on the NORAD Tracks Santa website! But how about some of the holiday cheer and traditions you celebrate during the holidays.
STM: Other than your wonderful time preparing for December 24 and answering calls, what is another favorite family tradition you enjoy during the holidays?
SCHLACHTER: We keep things pretty simple. We decorate a tree in mid-December then enjoy holiday movies.
STM: In addition to your delicious Cabernet Cranberry Sauce you shared with us a few years back, do you have another favorite holiday recipe?
SCHLACHTER: Ha! I’m glad you think it is delicious. That is the one thing I look forward to every year and it is the only time we make it.
STM: You mentioned that one of the most common questions you get from people calling in to the NORAD Tracks Santa volunteers is “What is Santa’s favorite cookie?” So, what about you…what is your favorite your favorite Christmas cookie?
SCHLACHTER: Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies.
STM: And to wrap things up, please share…what makes Christmas special to you?
SCHLACHTER: Being part of the NORAD Tracks Santa event. Knowing that we’re bringing joy and excitement to families around the world by helping them follow Santa’s journey adds a unique and meaningful touch to the holiday season.
Looking to add a traditional holiday cookie to your celebration? Here’s an easy-to-make version of Preston’s favorite Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies.
From HERSHEY’S
Makes 48 cookies
INGREDIENTS
48 HERSHEY’S KISSES Milk Chocolates
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup REESE’S Creamy Peanut Butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional 1/3 cup granulated sugar
DIRECTIONS
1.Heat oven to 375 degrees. Remove wrappers from chocolates.
2.Beat 12 cup shortening and 3/4 cup REESE’S Creamy Peanut Butter in a large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar; beat until fluffy.
3.Add 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla; beat well. Stir together 1 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in 1/3 cup granulated sugar; place on uncreased cookie sheet.
4.Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a HERSHEY’S KISSES Milk Chocolate into the center of each cookie; cookies will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to a wire rack. Cool completely.
It was an absolute pleasure chatting with Preston and having the opportunity to offer a littler more behind-the-scenes fun with NORAD Tracks Santa. Thank you, Preston and Happy Holidays!
Make sure you check out all the NORAD Tracks Santa fun the entire month of December at noradsanta.org
And follow NORAD Tracks Santa on their social media platforms…especially to follow along Santa’s journey on December 24th!
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Snowy the Mouse is a charming website that brings the magical world of Snowy and friends to life with delightful stories, games, crafts, and seasonal activities. Designed for children and families, it offers a fun and interactive experience filled with joy and holiday cheer.