November 27, 2006 in Features

DOD lets you keep an eye on Santa Claus

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According to legend, Santa knows when you are sleeping and he knows when you’re awake. Apparently he’s been keeping track of your behavior and there is some sort of list he has on file.

Santa’s been watching you for a while, and the Department of Defense is going to help you watch Santa.

The folks at the North American Aerospace Defense Command have a Web site to track Santa Claus on his busiest night of the year. The agency has been keeping track of his travels since Christmas Eve of 1955, when a little boy called the agency by accident looking for the jolly old elf.

According to the Web site, Rudolph’s nose sends out an infrared signature similar to that of a missile launch. You can also track how many cookies Santa has eaten on his big night.

The tracking won’t be available until Christmas Eve, but until then, kids can e-mail Santa their wish list and he’ll respond. There are also pictures you can download to color later and kids can hear a reading of “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.”

Just for the record, Santa told me I was on the “nice” list.

If you want to keep an eye on Old St. Nick, visit www.noradsanta.org.

Which fork?

Along with the arrival of the holidays comes many invitations to many dinners. Some kids might need a few pointers about their etiquette.

Image by M. Brandner is holding two classes to prepare kids for holiday dining.

There will be a Holiday Etiquette and Dining Class Sunday for kids ages 9 through 14 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post.

The class will discuss meeting and greeting, as well as presenting a toast.

There will also be a three-course meal served.

The cost is $59.

Kids ages 6 through 11 can take the Holiday Party Etiquette for Children Class Saturday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Davenport, or Dec. 9 at the Jewitt House, 1501 E. Lakeshore Drive, Coeur d’Alene.

The class will discuss how to eat a holiday cookie nicely, gift giving and receiving, dress and grooming and making their own thank-you notes.

The cost is $29.

For more information, call (509) 209-6394.

Auntie’s events

Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave., is presenting Kenn Nesbitt Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Nesbitt will read from his book, “Santa Got Stuck in the Chimney,” and there will be Christmas singing after the reading.

Saturday brings Auntie Violet, who will read Christmas stories at 11 a.m. in the children’s section of the store, and kids who wear Violet’s favorite color will get a gift.

There will also be a children’s author roundtable at 2 p.m. in the children’s section. Local authors will be available to sign copies of their books and answer your questions.

Miss Sarah will read Christmas classics at 11 a.m. Dec. 6 in the children’s section, and Beth Cooley will read from her book, “Shelter” Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the second floor auditorium.

Finally, on Dec. 9, Kendra O’Dea will read from her book, “The Stolen Sleigh,” at 2 p.m. in the children’s section and will sign copies after.

For more information, call the bookstore at (509) 838-0206.

Scrapbooking classes

The Coeur d’Alene Recreation Department is holding scrapbooking classes for kids Dec. 9 at the Jewitt House, 1501 E. Lakeshore Drive, Coeur d’Alene.

Kids ages 7 through 12 are invited from 10 a.m. to noon and kids 13 and older will meet from 1 to 3 p.m.

The classes will discuss the basics of cropping and matting photos, journaling and how to brighten pages.

Students should bring four to six photos from home and all other materials will be provided.

The cost is $15. For more information, call the Coeur d’Alene Recreation Department at (208) 769-2250.

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