Sepia Saturday - There's Xmas in the air

The prompt of this week shows Santa Claus in a Stockholm tram. Living in a country where Saint Nicholas believers still form a large majority, you'll have a hard time catching Santa in a tram. So there is no need to pull out my shoe boxes to look for such a picture. However, stretching the prompt just a little, brings me to people in a vehicle. And thus manipulated, this week's theme offers possibilities.

Readers of this blog may know I spent the best part of my working life in KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. For those readers it will not come as a surprise that my interpretation of the word 'vehicle' turns out to be an aircraft. The first one is the picture of the Boeing 737-800 interior of the aircraft that carried our son's wedding party from Amsterdam to Sicily in 2008. 

Interior of Transavia Boeing 737-800 from Amsterdam to Palermo (Sicily)

That trip took place in September so there is no connection with Christmas here. However, come to think of it, the upholstery of the chairs is (also) Christmas tree green. So mission accomplished. 
During most of my stay with KLM I was involved in the transportation of cargo. So showing you a couple of cargo aircraft is unavoidable. In 1983 I was involved in the organization of an international air cargo exhibition at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport. Via a relation we managed to convince the US Military Air Command to put one of their Galaxy's on display in Amsterdam. At the time, and possibly still, this is one of the worlds largest freighter aircraft with a payload of approx 120 metric tonnes.

A USAF Lockheed 5A Galaxy at Amsterdam Airport in 1983

The nose of the aircraft can be lifted (top right). This allows large loads and vehicles to be driven into the aircraft. They can leave the aircraft through the rear exit (bottom). I remember walking on that huge main deck inside the aircraft, that I was very impressed with its dimensions. It is like walking in a city hall. The connection with Christmas? Well, you know that all USAF aircraft display a white star? (Here it is almost hidden behind the starboard wing tip.) And I remember that one of the loadmasters was named Rudolph. What more do you need...

Christmas decorations in a KLM aircraft during the 50's

I can't say I recollect having seen these decorations in real life. But I can imagine it is no longer allowed today because they may be a safety hazard. In any case, it looks nice in this arcraft, probably a Douglas DC-6. (In case you want to know how this picture came to me, please see this earlier post.)
Well folks, this is it for 2012. I am glad I joined Sepia Saturday earlier this year because a) it is good fun, b) it is a nice group of people and c) I learn something every week. Therefore, I like to thank those responsible for keeping me off the street: Kat, Marilyn and Alan. I wish the three of you, and all other Sepians of course as well, a happy Christmas and a good and healthy New Year. And... may you all enjoy your turkey!
For more holiday contributions, please switch to the mother of all Sepia Saturday Sites.