The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Santa Claus made a surprising revelation yesterday when he announced that not a single child in the Flin Flon-Creighton area is on his naughty list this year. It's believed to be the first time in history that not one youngster in an entire community will find a lump of coal in his or her stocking on Christmas morning. "Ho, ho, ho, this is truly incredible," said Claus, adding in a whisper that "you don't even want to know what some of those kids down south did to get on the naughty list." Claus credited the friendly, close-knit atmosphere of the community with the unprecedented 100 per cent representation on his nice list. St. Nick was in Flin Flon yesterday to test his newly remodeled sleigh, eager to see how it would handle in what he called "this unbelievable weather." "Ho, ho, ho, I love coming to Flin Flon, but my goodness it's cold," said Claus, his breath visible in the crisp air. "I'm sure glad I had these new heaters installed. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to feel my fingers ? or anything else." Everyone knows Claus, his gift bag in hand, will begin his annual trek around the globe later tonight. What many don't realize is that he makes a dozen pit stops along the way, taking a few moments to rest and feed his reindeer. One of those stops is none other than the top of the 777 Headframe along the Perimeter Highway. "It's a great view from up there," said Claus. "I know it's Rudolph's favourite stop. That's where I always feed him carrots and hot chocolate. He gets pretty grumpy without his hot chocolate." Munching on an brittle oatmeal cookie, Claus spoke of how fortunate he feels to have such a dedicated team of elves to build all of the toys he will deliver to children throughout the world. With that, the jolly gift-giver announced that he had to race back to the North Pole to prepare for the long journey ahead. "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night," he declared.
