Here Comes Santa Claus

Is it just me or has Santa recently gone high-tech? As a parent, I'm finding it difficult to keep up!

I've already pulled out a bunch of tricks to help ensure that my almost 4-year-old doesn't even question the reality of Santa. But I have a few more up my sleeve to help make the next few weeks magical for my kids.

Last year, I purchased our Elf on the Shelf, a toy elf who reports to Santa whether the kids have been naughty or nice. Our elf, Tinsel, arrives right after Thanksgiving, after the house is decorated.

Last year, my oldest son was interested in Tinsel, but this year, I find him talking to him about his day and especially reminding him when he's been a very good boy. He's also quite excited every morning to see where Tinsel might be hiding out for the day. Of course, my gentle reminders that the elf reports back to Santa each night is only marginally effective at curbing bad behavior. But it also helps my son understand that being nice is what is right, especially during the holidays.

He has finally overcome his fear of the mall Santa Claus. The past three years, he has thrown a fit and cried at the mere sight of him at White Marsh Mall. But this year, he was overjoyed to engage in conversation about what he wants for Christmas. The mall Santa was more than aware of all the latest toys that my boy was requesting. I'm convinced that the job description for a mall Santa includes being more than a little familiar with the Toys "R" Us Christmas catalog. So much for Santa's workshop!

Then, there is the much anticipated letter to Santa. We've been working on this for weeks, and it's just about ready to go into the mail. My neighborhood is very fortunate, because our mail carrier, Cindy, personally answers every single letter to Santa from the children on her route. Last year, my son was overjoyed to receive a personal letter from Santa, along with a coloring book and candy cane. Our mail carrier certainly goes above and beyond, but as a parent, it is such an appreciated act.

Ask your mail carrier if they do this, and if not, there are several ways that Santa can respond to your child's letter. The Portable North Pole provides a free, personalized video email message to your child. You import a few photos and details through the website and Santa's elves do the rest. There really isn't a catch— it's actually free. This can really help convince those on the brink of not believing, at least for one more season.

And if your Santa doesn't have access to email, you can also access letters from Santa from several websites, including Free Letters from Santa Claus, or for a nominal fee of $5, from Kids Believe Letters. There are many other resources just a Google search away.

While so many of my ideas are geared towards receiving, I do have some geared towards giving. My oldest son and I participate in several charities to provide new gifts to children. Between his school, our church and the local Angel Tree, I'm trying to help my son understand that not everyone is fortunate enough to receive everything on his/her list.

We're also about to engage in a pre-holiday toy purge. Before the flood of new toys arrive here, I'm going to have my kids go through their toys and donate some of the unused toys to a daycare center, church, needy family or other charity. It'll be good for my playroom by making way for the new toys, and it will teach them that it is good to be the giver too.

Finally, when Christmas Eve rolls around, don't forget to log onto NORAD to track Santa's progress towards your house.

Like I said, Santa has gone high-tech. Hopefully, this helps you feel a little more up to speed.