NORAD Santa trackers stand by for another big day

- DENVER - Santa already is piling up big numbers on social networking sites this season, so the volunteer Santa-trackers at NORAD are bracing for tens of thousands of calls and emails when their operations center goes live on Christmas Eve.

(AFP PHOTO/EPA/LEHTIKUVA MARTTI KAINULAINEN)

Postal Santa tries to deliver on letter requests

- Operation Santa is a project of the USPS to connect families in need with families who want to help. This year, the Boston office received 1,200 letters from parents in need.

What are kids asking Santa Claus for this year?

- A 19-year mall veteran tells of studying toy catalogs, staying cool in the big red suit, and making sure not to promise too much.

GLOBE SANTA

Mother of 4 special-needs children wants gifts for them

- Having just one child with special needs is a challenge. But that challenge is multiplied four times for one South Shore mother who has sent a written appeal to Globe Santa asking his help in providing gifts for her children this Christmas.

THE BIG PICTURE

Christmas approaches

- The Christian religious holiday may not arrive until December 25, but secular and commercial festivities have been in full swing for almost a month already. Gathered here are images of preparations from around the world as it begins to look a lot like Christmas. — (42 photos total)

GLOBE SANTA

Their first Christmas without mom

- Every letter that arrives in Globe Santa’s mail bin involves a young child facing difficult circumstances. Many have medical conditions that require painful, costly, and time-consuming care, which takes an emotional toll on their parents or guardians, and often makes it impossible for them to earn enough money for any extras, including Christmas gifts.

Brockton’s Christmas Town dream

- Can Brockton be to Christmas what Salem is to Halloween, or what Plymouth is to Thanksgiving? Local resident and Tuxedo shop owner John Merian thinks so.

Kids, Santa, and Merry Christmas.