Per a recent update from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) center, Santa is completing his operations in Western Europe and is making his way towards the Eastern Seaboard of North America, and subsequently, the Outer Banks.
Santa’s ETA for delivering gifts to Hatteras and Ocracoke islands is approximately 12:00 a.m., however, delays are possible due to reindeer malfunctions, increased air traffic, blowing sand on N.C. Highway 12, and / or unscheduled surf or fishing breaks.
It was reported that with clear skies, mild temperatures in the high 50s, and an offshore swell, Santa may pause during his Outer Banks deliveries to check out the surf. Per multiple elf and reindeer sources close to Mr. Claus, he was also excited about traveling over the new Bonner Bridge for the first time, and that if the schedule allowed, he would also conduct a fly-by near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, as well as Cape Point, to scope out the fishing conditions.
It was advised via an exasperated Mrs. Claus that deliveries of Christmas presents to the Outer Banks may also be delayed if the local surf and / or fishing conditions were good. Mrs. Claus also noted that if the fishing conditions at the Point were exceptional, she did not expect Santa to return to the North Pole from the Outer Banks until sometime after the New Year.
All children who are awake at time of press are advised to return to bed immediately to avoid being passed over during Santa’s Outer Banks deliveries.
Mr. Claus was reportedly still hungry at time of publication, and was looking forward to local cookies and milk, as well as any Outer Banks-centric goodies, including seafood and oysters.
As of 11 p.m., all eight reindeer and the sleigh were in satisfactory condition, with no injuries or fender benders reported. The Island Free Press, (whose team members are expecting stockings full of coal come Christmas morning), will continue to post updates on Santa’s Outer Banks whereabouts as they become available.
