We've always done Santa. There's a debate now among some parents on whether it's good for parents to be "lying" to children, perpetrating a myth they know to be false. Personally, I'm delighted to continue this tradition with my daughter. Her excitement of the holiday and anticipation of Santa coming is infectious, making even strangers smile in spite of themselves. Being that happy can't be a bad thing!
There's also the issue about focusing on material things. That's a legitimate concern as well. We, as a family, make sure we put some of the focus back on those who truly need and not just want. (Matchbox race track? Want. Food for dinner? Need.)
But I won't regret the memories we're making along the way, just as my parents and grandparents made memories for me when I was growing up. (I still have a video of my grandmother as Santa Claus visiting on Christmas Eve when they "forgot" to turn the video camera off! I'll treasure that forever!)
But I won't regret the memories we're making along the way, just as my parents and grandparents made memories for me when I was growing up. (I still have a video of my grandmother as Santa Claus visiting on Christmas Eve when they "forgot" to turn the video camera off! I'll treasure that forever!)
We recently got the opportunity to talk to Santa via video chat through TalktoSanta.com. The look on Kay's face as Santa casually mentioned her friend's and teacher's names, what she was interested in, and members of her family was priceless - wide eyes, mouth agape, totally shocked in the best way.
We're done the letter from Santa thing and even a recorded phone call from the big guy in red last year. Those were fun, certainly - but also one-sided. There's nothing like being able to ask him questions - and actually getting an answer in return! And I will say this: I had to admire how quick-thinking Santa was, coming up with stories and explanations on the spot in answer to curious Kay's questioning.
"Do you know Ella the Elf?" she wanted to know, and he instantly caught on that Ella was the elf that comes to visit us and that she was out with the reindeer right now but she visits him all the time, and had she ever been caught in the fridge, because he's always telling the visiting elves to stay out of the food!
We're done the letter from Santa thing and even a recorded phone call from the big guy in red last year. Those were fun, certainly - but also one-sided. There's nothing like being able to ask him questions - and actually getting an answer in return! And I will say this: I had to admire how quick-thinking Santa was, coming up with stories and explanations on the spot in answer to curious Kay's questioning.
"Do you know Ella the Elf?" she wanted to know, and he instantly caught on that Ella was the elf that comes to visit us and that she was out with the reindeer right now but she visits him all the time, and had she ever been caught in the fridge, because he's always telling the visiting elves to stay out of the food!
She also wanted to know why Rudolph's nose is so bright ("Because he's a special reindeer") and could she talk to Rudolph (he was out training his brother Randolph how to fly!)
Finally, I loved that he didn't cut her off, even though her time ran well over the 10 minute slot (and I was trying from the sidelines to tell her "Santa was busy" and had to get back to work). He continued to patiently answer her questions and tell her creative stories about life at the North Pole. He was exactly as you imagine Santa would be, from looks to personality, kind, smiling, understanding ("No child is perfect all the time!" he told her when she mentioned some of the less-than-wonderful things she does.)
Kay will only believe in Santa for a short time. At 5 already, I know my time is limited. But I aim to make these precious early years as magical as possible in the time I have, and talking to Santa is something she's going to remember for a long time. (And even when she forgets, I have the video on the computer - they send it to you after your chat!)
P.S. If you're anything like me, you might be thinking, Well, that's a nice idea but certainly too expensive for our budget. That's the best part - it's actually affordable. I expected the price to be much higher when I looked into it, but the video chat and an email file of the session is only $25.00.
TalktoSanta.com donates 15% of the net revenue to the Toys For Tots program. That's what I call a win-win!
Finally, I loved that he didn't cut her off, even though her time ran well over the 10 minute slot (and I was trying from the sidelines to tell her "Santa was busy" and had to get back to work). He continued to patiently answer her questions and tell her creative stories about life at the North Pole. He was exactly as you imagine Santa would be, from looks to personality, kind, smiling, understanding ("No child is perfect all the time!" he told her when she mentioned some of the less-than-wonderful things she does.)
Kay will only believe in Santa for a short time. At 5 already, I know my time is limited. But I aim to make these precious early years as magical as possible in the time I have, and talking to Santa is something she's going to remember for a long time. (And even when she forgets, I have the video on the computer - they send it to you after your chat!)
P.S. If you're anything like me, you might be thinking, Well, that's a nice idea but certainly too expensive for our budget. That's the best part - it's actually affordable. I expected the price to be much higher when I looked into it, but the video chat and an email file of the session is only $25.00.
TalktoSanta.com donates 15% of the net revenue to the Toys For Tots program. That's what I call a win-win!
Use promo code PinterestChristmas at checkout to get $5 off your personalized live video chat with Santa!
Still not convinced? Check out some of their fun games and creative ideas - all free!
Disclosure: We received a free video chat with Santa in exchange for our honest opinion. I only recommended products and services I think my readers will enjoy as well. Thank you!
