Imagine if the Big Guy came in for a landing and a strut for one of the sleigh blades broke. Or, think about Nick going off-course because the in-dash navigation system was on the fritz. Even if the seat warmers stopped warming it could spell disaster for good girls and boys, as well as bad; keep in mind the temperatures are dangerously low when soaring at 10,000 feet.

Maintenance is part of the trip that the Jolly Old Fellow can’t overlook. Of course, in the case of this extensive route, maintenance includes the care and feeding of aged reindeer.

The average life span for an ordinary reindeer is 12 years. But these reindeer are known to have pulled the boss’s sleigh since 1823 and longer. That was when Clement Clarke Moore is said to have published the first account of their miraculous annual journey. That makes these reindeer at least 196-years old. That’s getting a little-bit long in the antler.

It’s unclear whether Nicholas has ever replaced his vehicle in these years. At the very least, we can assume that he’s refurbished the original sled. If he’s still driving that each December, he’s probably made a few upgrades, too.

The point is that, after all those miles, and all those rooftop landings, mechanical stress is bound to take a toll. Keep in mind that this buggy hauls a bag in the back that holds toys for most of the boys and girls in the world.

Of course, as a car owner, you understand what Kris is going through. You understand how important it is to maintain your car so it can reliably handle the long hauls. You don’t want to get stuck on the side the road while going to visit family in Northern Wisconsin on Christmas morning any more than Babbo Natale wants to get stranded on Fiji while flying to Australia.

At 7,000 feet, if Papai Noel has a problem he needs to look desperately for a place to land before he plunges to earth. It’s almost the same for you. If the engine stalls while driving to Iowa for a Christmas party, you need a place to stop quick – a place where you’re safe from the semis blasting past.

MAINTENANCE! That’s the key. You know and Santa knows. And, as long as the maintenance is properly done in a timely manner, we all have a better shot at a Very Merry Christmas.