Across the Atlantic, US First Lady Jill Biden took an unexpected guest to a children’s hospital in Washington: her husband Joe, who is the first sitting president to accompany their spouse for the traditional Christmas book-reading.
President Joe Biden and first lady Dr Jill Biden participate in an event to call NORAD and track the path of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Source: Getty
The couple chatted with patients and doctors, showing one boy a photo of “Commander” – their new puppy – before settling into chairs beside a Christmas tree and reading a book inspired by the Disney movie “Frozen”.
Mr Biden and his wife plan to stay at the White House for Christmas – an uncommon practice for recent American presidents.
The family normally rings in the New Year in the sunny US Virgin Islands but will instead go to their home in chilly Delaware, a few hours northeast of Washington.
‘Operation Present Drop’
Millions of Americans were on the move to see loved ones for Christmas, even as COVID infections surpass the peak of the previous wave and hospitals run out of beds.
Thousands could face a grim holiday weekend, with major carrier United cancelling 120 flights because infection numbers had affected flight crews and other operations.
But Santa was not deterred from doing his rounds.
The bearded spreader of holiday cheer had reportedly been cleared for travel in Canada’s airspace after showing proof of vaccination and a pre-flight negative COVID test, Ottawa’s transport minister said.
Santa’s flight crew – including reindeer Rudolph, whose “nose shone red and bright (but) made sure he had no COVID-19 symptoms before taking off” – had also been given the all clear.
And Australian authorities said they were working round the clock to ensure “Operation Present Drop” goes smoothly.
“Our air traffic controllers will be guiding Santa safely through Australian airspace,” said aviation safety authority Airservices.
“He’s cleared to fly at 500 feet so he can skim the rooftops and deliver his presents quickly and quietly.”
The joint US-Canadian command, NORAD, on a specialised website offered the public the chance to track Father Christmas’ sleigh as it flies around the globe.
SBS
