Last Friday, I purposely stayed away from writing about the economy or other negative news, not wanting to end the week on a low note.  I think I’ll do the same today, as I sit here and wait for the snow to come.

This morning the Department of Transportation issued its yearly Santa-related press release.  According to the press release, Santa will have access to “Santa Skylanes” (military airspace) that commercial airlines can also use to prevent gridlock in the skies during this busy travel season.  Last year, some East Coast flights cut 100 miles off their trip by using this expanded airspace, while 4,800 flights used California military airspace to save over 99,000 miles.

I’m surprised the press release doesn’t highlight the “green” benefits of these Santa Skylanes.  CO2 reduction was the headline or the main focus of almost every transportation-related press release I received this year.  The marketing folks at the DOT need to get with the program.  Or maybe they don’t want to be accused of “greenwashing” Christmas.

The more I think about Santa and his long-haul route, the more questions come to mind:

• Is Santa’s sleigh SmartWay certified?
• Will Santa be barred from California if his sleigh doesn’t comply with their “green vehicle” regulations?
• Are Santa’s elves unionized, and if not, do they support the Employee Free Choice Act?
• Will airspace lanes get privatized in the future, and how will toll fees be collected?

I obviously need a vacation, and after this afternoon, maybe a new shovel (or snow blower) too.