What Happens After Santa Comes Home?

The busiest night of the year doesn’t end when the final present is delivered.

It ends when Santa comes home.

As the sleigh begins its return journey, Mission Control watches the Giant North Pole Map closely. The Santa marker moves farther north while the distance-to-home counter drops.

When the sleigh enters North Pole airspace, the Tracking Station announces Santa’s arrival across the Village.

Then the cheering starts.

Outside, elves gather to welcome Santa and the reindeer. Inside Mission Control, the Tracking Team still has a few jobs left.

First, they confirm that Santa and every reindeer have landed safely.

Then the Christmas Eve flight record is completed. Route changes, weather reports, communications and important moments from the journey are entered into the North Pole archives.

The Weather Team closes its worldwide watch. Navigation saves the final route. Communications records Santa’s official FLIGHT COMPLETE message.

The reindeer head back to their barn for food, water and rest.

Santa heads inside, where Mrs. Claus is waiting.

And the elves?

They celebrate.

There is food, music and plenty of exhausted elves comparing stories from the night.

Eventually, Mission Control grows quiet. Screens dim. Headsets come off. The giant map displays one final message:

CHRISTMAS EVE MISSION COMPLETE.

Tomorrow, everyone rests.

Well, almost everyone.

Someone has to start planning for next Christmas.