For the last two years, Canada's WestJet Airlines has been spreading holiday cheer by fulfilling the holiday wishes of some lucky passengers. This year, they upped the ante by delivering "Christmas miracles" to the impoverished residents of the Puerto Plata community of Nuevo Renacer in the Dominican Republic.

In order to find out what each resident wanted, in late November, the airline set up a blue sleigh in the middle of the neighborhood. When curious kids and adults climbed aboard, they were prompted to press a button that summoned a jolly Spanish-speaking Santa Claus, who asked what they would like for Christmas. A secret camera installed by WestJet, recorded each request that ranged from a doll house to a new washing machine, and even a horse. Of course, no one expected them to be fulfilled.

The following day, they were all invited to a Christmas party complete with fake snow - a treat for the residents of the tropical country most of whom had never encountered the white stuff before. As they waited in anticipation, twenty WestJet employees rushed out with the gifts the residents had requested from Santa. The fun did not end there - after the presents had been distributed, the revelers all enjoyed their first snow ball fight! And if that wasn't enough, the following day the kids received another surprise from Santa - a brand new playground! Could Christmas get any better?

As to why Santa was dressed in blue instead of his hallmark red? That just happens to be WestJet's corporate color!

cbc.ca, globalnews.ca