In the throes of the Cold War, the Soviet Union was planning to test a massive nuclear bomb in the Arctic Circle.
But in a letter to then-President John F Kennedy, a young Michigan girl was most concerned about the North Pole's most famous resident.
"Please stop the Russians from bombing the North Pole," 8-year-old Michelle Rochon, of Marine City, pleaded, according to news reports at the time.
"Because they will kill Santa Claus."
"I talked with him yesterday and he is fine. He will be making his rounds again this Christmas."
Kennedy also told Rochon that he shared her concern about the Soviet Union's test, "not only for the North Pole but for countries throughout the world; not only for Santa Claus but for people throughout the world."