For 44 years, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) has tracked the jolly old elf's trek across the globe, and their information is now available on the Web. Visit this special site on Christmas eve for frequent updates on Santa's progress using NORAD's sophisticated satellite system. You'll also find out Santa's secret to completing the journey in one night as well as stats on the sleigh that makes it all possible.

In addition to all the wonderful tracking information, NORAD has an index of how children greet Santa in other countries. For instance, in Italy he's known as Befana, in Japan, Kurousu and in Brazil, Papa Noel.

Another good place to get Christmas tidbits is the Advent Calendar on CompuServe. Each day, a new ornament is added to the tree, and hidden behind each ornament is a Christmas fact and a special surprise for you and your family.

If you feel compelled to take on a fun family project this season, stop by the Good Housekeeping Make a Cozy Christmas Cottage site. This fairy tale gingerbread house was designed by famous baker Colette Peters of Colette's Cakes. The house stands tall and is decorated with goodies such as rock candy, spearmint gumdrops, and snowy frosting. The site contains printable templates, a full list of materials needed and assembly and decoration instructions. An image of the house rotates, so you can see how it's supposed to look from any angle.

If baking a gingerbread house is too much to take on right now, why not treat your family to a Christmas play instead? Visit the Christmas Stories and Poems site for a directory containing dozens of holiday stories and poems, including short plays that your family can stage at home. You'll find classics such as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and "A Christmas Carol" plus some lesser known titles. Some of these make great bedtime stores, something to settle you down as you wait for Santa to arrive.

Hoping that Santa brings everything on your list this year,

The Webicurean™
webby@webicurean.com