Santa Claus prepares for marathon global gift giving

Santa hopes that in this Christmas people will stop using vicious words, and instead be nice and friendly to each other.

Lapland:Santa Claus is preparing for his global gift-giving trip in snow-covered Lapland, on the edge of the Arctic Circle.

At this time of year, the sun doesn't rise till around 11 am, but that doesn't stop Santa and his elves busily making their final preparations for Christmas Eve.

Santa says the elves have been working hard, while Rudolph has been on vacation.

With Santa's list almost complete, it's now possible to say whether children have been naughty or nice during 2019.

In the village's nearby post office, Santa's "elves" are busily sorting through thousands of letters sent from all around the world.

This year, a postal strike in Finland may prevent some letters from reaching Santa on time. But the post office says they are now arriving promptly.

But Santa Claus says it's not all present wish-lists, some children just want happiness for their family.

Santa Claus says he's been worried by the "vicious" words people have been using to speak with each other this year.

He hopes next year people will use 'nice and friendly' language instead.

With all the letters read and presents packed, Santa heads to the snow-covered forest to meet his trusty reindeer, Rudolph.