By Sacramento Daily Press Staff

Sacramento children report they’re in a state of suspense mixed with excitement while local parents attempt to tuck them into bed prior to the arrival of Santa Claus.

As of writing of this article, tracking data from NORAD, or the North American Aerospace Defense Command, states Santa has made landfall on the eastern seabord of the United States and Canada and has crossed the Mississippi river to deliver presents to children on states bordering the mighty river to its west, including Lousiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota.

All of the states to the east of the Mississippi appear to be complete and Santa is approaching over 7 billion presents delivered, with the night still young.

Santa’s pattern indicates he will continue to proceed west, only reaching California once state’s to the east are finished. Santa experts say Santa often makes landfall in Sacramento prior to midnight on Christmas Eve but caution that preparation is paramount to a successful outcome.

Children are advised against activities including shouting and pouting this evening.

While over 90 percent of children surveyed approve of Santa, not everyone is on board with the Santa program. We consulted privacy advocate Jason MacDonald who stated, “We have it on reasonable authority that Santa is conducting an unconstitutional surveilance program and harvesting data from the American people without their consent. Can we opt out of being surveiled by Mr. Clause? Do we fully understand what this data is being used for? Congress should launch an immediate investigation because the people’s rights are at risk and presents are no substitute for liberty.”

However, Santa fans remain unconvinced. In response, local pro-Santa Sacramentan, Hannah, age 4, simply stated, “I like his beard.”