For the 22nd year in a row, United Airlines is putting on a special "Fantasy Flights" program that flies ill children to the "North Pole" to meet Santa. This year, more than 5,000 children and their families get to go on a special plane ride to a makeshift North Pole to meet good ol' Saint Nick before his big night.
"The kids really bring home the Spirit of Christmas for me. When I look into their eyes as they're chatting with Santa, it's often difficult to keep the tears from rolling down my face,” says Customer Service Rep and Fantasy Flights Santa David Tomb. “Sometimes they share a very personal thought or a wish that gives me just a hint of what their lives are like, what they're going through and what they're feeling at Christmas time. I'm just grateful that I can bring a little bit of joy into their lives."