'Twas a cold night at the North Pole, Dec. 13. I was dreaming of all the wonderful toys I would be making the next day when I was awakened by a deep, "Ho, ho, ho!" Santa was knocking on my door! I jumped out of my small bed and raced to let him in.

Santa was dressed in his full Christmas Day suit! It even looked freshly pressed.

"Santa, why are you so dressed up? It's not Christmas yet! We still have 12 days!" I cried.

Santa chuckled and said, "I know, littlest elf, but today I have a different task for you. A special task! Do you think you could take a break from making toys?"

"Of course!" I gleefully replied.

Santa told me to get dressed at once and said he would prepare the sleigh. I put on my best elf outfit and hurried to meet Santa and the reindeer! When I arrived, I saw that Santa had invited another elf - my friend Cabe - and Mrs. Claus. I knew this was going to be a wonderful adventure.

Santa explained that we would be traveling to a new location to spread Christmas cheer. It wasn't a house or an apartment or even a hospital. It was a ship, he said!

I pictured all of our reindeer attempting to land on a small sail boat and began to giggle. As if reading my mind, Santa explained that we would be landing on board the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), also known as Ike! He said it had about 5,000 people on board! I couldn't believe what my pointy elf ears had just heard. I had to see it for myself.

We took off as the sun began to rise, and flew south toward North America. As we flew, Santa told us about the Sailors we would be meeting and all the hard work they do. I couldn't wait to meet everyone!

Flying over the Atlantic Ocean was quite an experience. It was so beautiful!

After a short time, we landed on the ship's flight deck. (I think the non-skid really scuffed up the sleigh!) I was amazed by all the aircraft and the men and women who were working so hard.

We began our tour of the ship near a little place referred to as "aft trash." Then we worked our way through three hangar bays! We ventured down to a splendid place called the "mess decks." I didn't understand the name - it wasn't messy at all! We also visited some officers in a wardroom. They were so much fun. Next, we went in to the Chiefs Mess, but they were very grouchy! (Perhaps their heads are heavy with thoughts of INSURV!)

We worked our way up many, many stairs and had the chance to meet Command Master Chief Shay Langejans and the commanding officer, Capt. Paul Spedero Jr. They are such wonderful people!

I loved meeting all of the Sailors. Everyone was so kind and happy. We took lots and lots of pictures. I was so happy to be there that my cheeks began to hurt from all the smiling!

Santa had a great time too!

"When I was invited to an aircraft carrier, I was thrilled," Santa said. "Mrs. Claus doesn't get to leave the house that often, so I asked her to join me and she was excited, too. I also asked my hardest-working, most energetic elves to join us. They wanted to come out and meet some of the people they build toys for. We saw thousands of Sailors, and the smiles on their faces made everything worth it. We love sharing cheer and happiness! I want the Sailors to know I greatly appreciate everything they do."

Happy holidays!

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit http://www.navy.mil/.