Santa and Mrs. Claus swapped their traditional sleigh for some supersized rides this week as they brought holiday cheer to the Tlingit village of Yakutat in southeast Alaska. Instead of flying reindeer, they arrived in style on a C-17 military cargo plane and a camouflaged Humvee, all part of this year’s Operation Santa Claus organized by the Alaska National Guard.
The visit to Yakutat was a special one, chosen by the Guard to support the community after a recent hardship, in this case, a massive snowfall that posed a threat to buildings in 2022. Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, the adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard, expressed pride in the outreach program, stating that it was one of the most enjoyable tasks they undertake.
The arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Humvee caused excitement among the elementary school children, who eagerly gathered outside to catch a glimpse of the festive visitors. Inside the school, Mrs. Claus entertained the students with a Christmas story while Santa posed for photos and distributed new backpacks filled with gifts, books, and school supplies donated by the Salvation Army. The children were also treated to lunch and a sundae bar with ice cream provided by a local restaurant.
The students were thrilled with their gifts, with 10-year-old Thomas Henry expressing his delight over a plastic dinosaur, and 9-year-old Mackenzie Ross cherishing her new plush seal toy. The opportunity to experience such a special event left a lasting impression on the children, especially for those who may not have had the chance to experience such festivities in larger cities.
Yakutat, a Tlingit village nestled in the lowlands of the Gulf of Alaska, welcomed the holiday spirit brought by Santa and his team of helpers. The Operation Santa initiative, which traces its roots back to 1956, aims to bring joy to communities facing challenges, such as those impacted by severe weather events like flooding.
Despite logistical challenges, including the need for the C-17 Globemaster III to return to Anchorage due to space limitations at Yakutat’s airport, the mission was a success. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves were able to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories for the residents of Yakutat.
