The 12 Days of Christmas Countdown: Day 12

And now, the complete 12 Days of Christmas – Patch style.

On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, news that Santa's coming, a checklist for safekeeping,, , , , ... ... , , and 

With the gifts wrapped, silver polished, seasonal charity donation made and house decorated, all that is left to do is wait for the man of hour – Santa Claus.

At some distant point on the globe jolly old St. Nick has already started his Christmas Eve journey. 

He'll be expecting his traditional snack of cookies and milk beside the fireplace and a carrot or two for the reindeer couldn't hurt – you know, the naughty-and-nice list logs behavior up to the last minute.

Those looking to track Santa on his journey can do so courtesy of NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which follows the jolly old elf's trip around the world using Google Earth and, new this year, the NORAD Tracks Santa app.

Perhaps you're having a little difficulty believing this year?

Think about what the editor of New York's Sun wrote to 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon Sept. 21, 1897.

Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see.

If you do need a little visual proof ... check out this  emailed to Macomb Patch just moments ago from the North Pole.

What more is there to say?

Whatever tomorrow brings for you, be it a road trip to the homes of family and friends, a house filled with loud, raucous relatives, or a peaceful trip to the movies, here's wishing "a Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night."