This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Toys for Tots - NORAD is prepping for Santa's Sleigh Ride!

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been prepping and is now in testing mode to ensure that Santa and all his reindeer have no delays in that important mission on Christmas Eve.  There is a lot of action and excitement building every day to get this sleigh on it's way so keep your elf on that shelf and turn your eyes to the sky!  "Big Red 1" test flight has already been successfully completed and fine tuning is in process to ensure safety for the reindeers to navigate with ease.  Ever heard of icing problems causing Rudolph's nose to stop operating?  Thank your Air Force!  The Navy keeps watch over those long stretches between continents and have never let Santa fear of going in the drink.  The Marines always keep the shores open and never let border agents cause one bit of delay!  Army is there to keep the homes secure and protect cookies and milk from interlopers (Dad!) as well as setting out flares to mark the homes where some special love is required for children in need, the sick and elderly.  Together, they all get it done while you are safe and sound asleep in your homes - they give up their Christmas comforts for each of us to enjoy so much joy and happiness.  Remember them this holiday season, thank a Veteran AND an Active Duty whenever you can for the liberties that they strive to keep for all of us to enjoy.
Are you ready?  Do you know what treats you'll be leaving out to keep Santa going strong and on his way to everyone's home no matter how humble or exotic? 
Have you had an opportunity to share your holiday cheer with others less fortunate?  There are so many opportunities all over town, especially a long held tradition of Toys for Tots with easy drop off points for unwrapped gifts found at First Bank in the Colony shopping center (next to Starbucks) and also Toy Crazy in the Malibu Country Mart.  Boxes will be at those locations through Dec 20th so there is plenty of time to drive off the Grinch and join the festivities.  
Enjoy this wonderful season, stay safe and look for opportunities to brighten another's day, outlook or life wherever you can.  The gift of love is the best package, it's the one that everyone likes to return too. 
How to track Santa:
NORAD Santa Twitter account:  @NORADSanta
YouTube NORADTracksSanta account: http://www.youtube.com/user/NORADTracksSanta?feature=watch
Website for NORAD Santa Tracking:  www.NORADSanta.org

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?