Send a Free Call or Video from Santa

Well, we're getting really close to Christmas 2011 and undoubtedly, the big guy in red is on every child's mind. I thought that sending a free call or video from Santa would be a great way to get your little one even more excited about a visit from Santa Claus. As if they need it. Still, it's a wonderful, magical touch that kids will remember for years to come.

This Gmail product is free of charge from Google. You are able to send personalized, talking messages or YouTube videos to anyone you like. It is not perfect but like I said, it's free.

When you fill in the information (name of sender and recipient, birthdate), you are then taken to a screen that wants you to select how the names will be said. In my case, my name was not one of the options, although you can choose a generic slang, or opt not to have a name mentioned at all.

Once you fill in all of the details, you have the choice of viewing a video of Santa that's quite cute and incorporates your details, or you can listen to the audio version of the video. After that, merely click the next screen arrow on the right and send it to whomever you want.

The audio messages you create are sent to the recipient's phone number, while the videos can be shared via email or Google +.

Regardless of the name limitations, I believe any child would be wildly happy with receiving something from the Send a Call from Santa site. Here's the link again:  http://www.sendacallfromsanta.com/

Ho-ho-ho!
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Preparing Your Child for the Santa Claus Parade

Is there anything more epically magical to a very young child than a Santa Claus parade? Larger than life characters that they’ve seen on TV or in their Golden Books walk past, close and real. And of course, the parade organizers save the best for last – Santa! For little ones, this is the equivalent of a teenager seeing their favourite rock star. It fills them with awe and wonder.

Naturally, your child is excited about getting to see the big guy in the red suit, which is all the more reason to carefully prepare before attending the parade. The following tips may be helpful to you.

Prepare for Hours of Cold

This one may sound like a no-brainer but please consider the fact that you and your youngster may be standing out in the cold for hours. This is Canada and Santa comes in winter, so take measures to stay warm.

If your child is young enough to sit in a stroller, than he or she is not moving around to help them stay warm, either. Taking a blanket is a good idea, as is a thermos of something warm to drink. The downside of that is, of course, leaving the crowd to find a bathroom.

If possible, take your little one into a warm place occasionally, such as a store or restaurant. Letting them move around to get their blood flowing helps some, too. Not only that but if the wait is long, kids can become bored and need an activity to keep them from getting restless.

Most people line up on the sidewalk early to get a good spot, so you could show up at 11:00 for a parade that doesn’t start until 1:00. Then there’s the parade to watch, followed by getting through a throng of people to get home. Which leads us to point number two.

Have a Plan

If you live in a big city like Toronto, you may be one of half a million people who stand along the parade route. Now, imagine your small child wandering even a mere few feet away. How would you find him or her in that crowd?

Never take your eyes off a toddler or baby and have a plan in place that older kids can follow, if they get lost. Maybe they go directly to a specified store and you look there first when trying to find them.

Also, make sure that they know their last name, address and phone number, if at all possible. Otherwise, write pertinent information on a slip of paper and put it inside their coat pocket. You may even consider giving a child a whistle to blow if they find themselves in surroundings they don’t recognize. This only works if the child is old enough to understand that it is the only time they should blow the whistle.

Miscellaneous Tips

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before leaving home, in case you need rain gear or an extra blanket.

Warm apple cider makes a great thermos filler for kids and adults, alike. Apple juice warmed up works just as well.

A bag or backpack with snacks, extra hats, mittens and scarves, and maybe a favourite teddy bear, is a good idea. Oh, and don’t forget the tissues, you will need to wipe running noses – yours and your child’s. :-)

Above all, have fun at the Santa Claus parade and enjoy the fact that you are putting a little magic in your child’s life.

Where to Buy Santa Suits in Canada

Where to Buy Santa Suits in Canada

Don't ask me what made me think of it but this morning it occurred to me that I had no idea at all where to buy Santa suits in Canada. I'm pretty sure this thought originated from the deep, dark recesses of my mind, where strange ponderings and the never-ending searches for Canadian based Christmas topics live. Anyway, it popped into my head, so figured it would make a good post. Could be that I'll be the only one interested in knowing the answer, we'll see.

First off, those of us who are adults may note the absence of the types of Santa suits that are typically used in...*ahem*...role playing. This is a family-friendly site, so we won't be going there, don't even ask.

All of the potential locations and vendors deal in the usual and much-loved costume that kids and parents expect to see Santa in, whether at the mall or sliding down the chimney. So, here goes.

eBay has, at least they do at the time I'm typing this, several different Santa costumes. You can get the whole kit and kaboodle, or just purchase the facial and head hair that St. Nick is famous for. The amount you'll spend will depend on the quality of fabric and how convincing you want to be for the kiddies. I saw one at under twenty bucks and a deluxe suit that's selling for $122.62. I didn't look at very many since I'm not actually in the market for a Santa suit but did notice a little dog suit, very reasonably priced at $3.99. The ones I viewed were all listed in Canadian dollars.

Costume Chik I had never heard of before researching for this post but they're located in Calgary and offer speedy shipping with free ground shipping on orders over $75.00. I only checked the first search page that I've linked to here. Their suits are more money than the eBay listings, ranging from $82 to $400 (rounded off) but you can also buy a slew of individual Santa costume accessories and yes, even some for women that are slightly naughty. I don't know this company, so this is not an endorsement, just information.

Nextag has a pretty full collection of Santa suits, including a bunch for the Mrs. Poor Mrs. Claus, she's so far out of the limelight, it's no wonder she's pale. Probably does all the work, too.

Sears Canada doesn't have a ton of Santa suit variety but the prices are very reasonable and Sears is a trusted Canadian company.

Please note that I am not recommending or endorsing any of these merchants, just helping you get a start in your costume shopping. Hopefully, it'll be easier now that you know where to buy Santa suits in Canada. You won't have to cross the border or even leave home unless you want to. Find one you like, click, arrange for it to be shipped to you. Kinda sounds easy, too bad I don't need one.
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Santa's Address

Have your little ones written to Santa Claus yet?

The day is suddenly fast approaching, so if there are letters that still need to get to Santa on time, here is the address:

Santa Claus
North Pole
H0H 0H0
Canada

The post office is asking that no treats be put in the envelope for Santa because they can't go through the mail well. Don't forget to make sure that the return address is included so that Santa can answer the letter.

If your child prefers to email Santa that's okay, too. Santa is all set up with his own email form page on the Canada Post site. Just click on the Email Santa link.

Email Santa

Hope Santa brings lots of good stuff!