Dear Friends,

The elves and I hope Holiday Season 2000 brought you much joy. For the past few years the elves have been working to make celebrating all your holidays easier, and a lot more fun. They dedicated many hours over and above their regular toy making to improve and maintain my website. Coming up with animated holiday greeting cards, online games, helpful decorating and entertaining ideas was hard work for elves who knew little about the Internet when they got started.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but I've decided to give all the elves a much-needed vacation. Unfortunately during this time the elves will be unable to service your address books, wish lists, shopping lists or your Santa email accounts. I will not be able to respond to your letters because I need some time off too! This vacation will put some pressure on us in terms of our schedule, but we will do everything we can to be available for Holiday Season 2001.

Thanks for your visits and letters. Remember to be as nice as you can to everyone you meet! I'll pass your best wishes on to the elves.

May all your holidays be happy,

SANTA