Santa's Reindeer

[Viking01]

Granstar,

Apologies. In my haste, I forgot to add some further information that my Finnish
friend later emailed through to me last night. She also said:

"Santa's main residency is in Finnish Lapland, in the town of Rovaniemi on the
Arctic Circle . You can check it here: https://www.santaclausvillage.info.

As a part of his large estate there is a special area called "Santa Claus Reindeer
Resort" occupied by his reindeer ( www.santaclausreindeer.fi ).

As far as I am aware, this Reindeer Resort is still in Santa's ownership (i.e. it has
not been outsourced or sold to a global corporation)".

So, there you have it. Fairly conclusive proof, I would think.

Cheers,
Viking

[oldrider]

I am going to stay awake and catch him (Santa) as he goes by and will ask him the direct questions - I will get back to you with his account!

[pritch]

On the basis of nothing whatsoever I would have assumed that Lapland existed prior to the formation of the modern states of Sweden, Norway, and Finland. I would not dream of questioning you friend from Finland though.

[granstar]

Hey, just hang for a few days and ask the gent in person, hyvää joulua.

[george formby]

Hmmm, I think we have a problem, Houston.

Apparently St Nicholas, the Patron Saint of pressies, is Turkish.... What a delight!

So, perhaps, as traditions go, Turkey should have more consideration.
I think the Finnish determination to "own" Santa & his Reindeer is a corporate decision. The only other Finnish exports I can think of are pine and vodka. They need the money!
If you dig deep enough I'm sure you will find our modern reindeer were historically camels.

Just sayin.

[Viking01]

On the basis of nothing whatsoever I would have assumed that Lapland existed prior to the formation of the modern states of Sweden, Norway, and Finland. I would not dream of questioning you friend from Finland though.

Pritch,

Indeed you are right. Sweden did possess some of the land attributed to modern
Finland until the early 1800's, at which point the Finnish state then slowly came
into being.

The area known as Lapland was split across both countries up until that point,
but with various changes in boundaries over time, it is now defined as a region
solely within Finland.

I think that in the past, the Sami reindeer herders (also fishermen and trappers)
effectively migrated across the boundaries of modern day Norway / Sweden / Finland
as they wished, but that became more difficult in the 1900's. It appears that the
Sami people effectively become Finnish citizens as of the 1970's.

However, it appears that the association of Lapland with Santa Claus came about
in 1927, when proposed by a Finnish radio host [ credit: Wikipedia ]. Due to an
abundance of snow, and all those pines and spruces (but no larches).

Just goes to show the benefit of "being in first" with an idea, and capitalising
upon it.

As for doubting my Finnish friend, no, I wouldn't do that either .... 8-)

Cheers,
Viking

[granstar]

Perhaps why turkeys appear in supermarket freezers where reindeer roasts don't?


Ahhh wooops; a bit slow at delivering that, maybe NZ Post has a job for me

[george formby]

Perhaps why turkeys appear in supermarket freezers where reindeer roasts don't?


Ahhh wooops; a bit slow at delivering that, maybe NZ Post has a job for me

Christmas is a conspiracy, fake festivities!

Reindeer may be on the menu. Apparently Sara the Sami Lap shepherd has been told to cull his Reindeer flock, he's not happy! A new export venture for - Norway?
This conspiracy deepens...

[granstar]

Have a merry Winter Solstice all

[Swoop]

I was asked recently which country do Santa's reindeer hail from

"Santa", much like jesus or "god" doesn't exist.

Have a merry Winter Solstice all

Yes. The Winter Solstice happening so close to x-mas... What a co-incidence.

A joyous solstice to you all!

[ellipsis]

...garlic is ready...

[husaberg]

"Santa", much like jesus or "god" doesn't exist.

Yes. The Winter Solstice happening so close to x-mas... What a co-incidence.

A joyous solstice to you all!

Well my grandma got run over my a reindeer....

[GazzaH]

I've been to Lapland.

They told me: in the summer, the Laplanders fish and make love.

In Winter, they can't fish.

Laplanders are cool. Literally and figuratively.

[Viking01]

"Santa", much like jesus or "god" doesn't exist.

Yes. The Winter Solstice happening so close to x-mas... What a co-incidence.

A joyous solstice to you all!

Well, you may be right (in that Santa doesn't exist), but I've always had quite a bit
of fun over the years, having to wear the red suit and dish out presents to children.


Maybe I'll just finish with a link to Tom Lehrer's "Christmas Carole", and whatever
your beliefs may be, perhaps still take note of the final lines:

https://youtu.be/DtZR3lJobjw

Cheers,
Viking

[granstar]

Heh its a bit like me telling kids when you hear the van play Greensleeves, means its all out if icecream.