KAILUA, Hawaii, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- First lady Michelle Obama took time out from her vacation in Hawaii Saturday to field phone calls from children wanting an update on Santa Claus' whereabouts.
Taking part in the North American Aerospace Defense Command's annual Santa tracking program, Obama let the children know the jolly old elf had "all nine reindeer with him, and it looks like his sleigh is pretty full ... of toys" as he headed over Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and around the world.
She also asked children what they wanted for Christmas and if they' been good the past year, advised them they had to get to sleep so Santa could pay them a visit, took a few questions and wished them all a Merry Christmas.
One 7-year-old named Samantha told Mrs. Obama she once surprised Santa in her home.
"Once, when I was downstairs, I ran up the stairs and then I turned on the light and I saw Santa," Samantha said.
The first lady asked her what Santa said when she saw him.
"He said 'Merry Christmas,' and put me to bed," she said.
"Well, you are a lucky little person, because not many people get to see Santa delivering toys," Mrs. Obama said.
One parent asked the first lady what she wanted for Christmas this year.
"Oh, my goodness. I have what I wanted for Christmas: the president is here with us, and we're all together as a family," she said.
