Santa’s number can be hard to find. Lucky for you, we’ve got the scoop
You’ve snapped your photos and written your letters to Santa, and probably already hung your stockings with care. Well, here’s one more way to get in touch with Ol’ St. Nick: Santa’s Hotline. It couldn’t get easier: all you need is a phone to dial up a free, international number that connects kids directly to a voicemail box, where they can leave messages at the North Pole. Available throughout the United States as well as 13 countries including France, Sweden, and Australia, it’s a simple concept that will add that little extra pinch of magic dust to your holiday. If your kids can’t get enough, here are six other ways to get in touch with Santa Claus during the holiday season.
Dial up +1-605-313-4000 in English
or +1-605-313-4001 in Spanish
(There’s a list of international numbers on the site as well).
Your kiddos will hear the following message:
“Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! This is Santa Claus and you have reached my personal hotline. We have been very busy making all of those toys to deliver on Christmas morning, and I want you to know that your family loves you very much and so do I. So, be good and don’t forget to always listen to your parents. When you hear the tone please leave me your Christmas gift wishes and holiday cheer. And, remember kids, I know who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. Merry Christmas and I’ll see you soon.”
Then at the beep, your little elflings can leave their own message to Santa. (Be sure and listen in so you can take notes!)
When you use your mobile phone, Santa will send a text so you can listen or share your child’s message with the whole family!
Tip: keep the number handy in your contacts under Santa and surprise your sweeties, perfect for long lines or after-school doldrums. “Siri, call Santa” is sure to elicit a raised eyebrow and giant grin.
The hotline was created by David Erickson, CEO of FreeConferenceCall.com and father of three. He thought of the idea when his daughter was little, and he hopes it brings a little more fun to the season. Last year, 9 million kids called in.
Visit the website to learn more and find downloadable flyers you can share with your teacher, family, and friends.
When it comes to the best Christmas lights Portland has to offer, these displays are totally lit
The City of Roses should be renamed the City of Lights during the holidays, as far as we’re concerned. Starting right after you finish up Thanksgiving dinner, running throughout the month of December, Portland is ablaze with fun and unique light displays that will brighten up anyone’s day. So after you’ve picked out the perfect tree for the season, fill your thermos with hot chocolate (maybe a hot toddy for the parents), bundle up the kids, and check out these holiday light displays that will brighten your season.
Portland International Raceway Christmas Lights - Winter Wonderland
If you're looking for drive-thru Christmas lights in Portland, head down to the Portland International Raceway for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi,” the 30th annual Safeway Winter Wonderland is unlike any light show you’ve ever seen. Spectators become part of the show as they drive through the track, taking in more than 250 set pieces and animated displays along the course. Plus, all proceeds from the event will benefit Sunshine Division's year-round hunger relief efforts.
Good to Know: Tickets range from $48 - $155 depending on vehicle size
'Tis the season to check out one of Portland’s most popular light experiences: ZooLights at, you guessed it, the Oregon Zoo. This larger-than-life display has more than a million and a half lights, plus all your favorite animals, too! You can take it all in two ways: on a classic walk through the grounds or from the comfort of your car during their drive-through experience.
Good to Know: All tickets are timed-entry and must be purchased in advance online. They range from $21-$29, and drive-thru tickets are $65. Remember, Zoo members receive discounted admission.
Dates: Nov. 23, 2022-Jan. 5, 2023 (Closed on Christmas Day)
The Christmas ships are coming! A fleet of ships have sailed down the Willamette and Columbia Rivers every year for 67 years. Grab a perch with a view (restaurants along the route book up quick), pack your thermos and blankets, and watch the floating lights go by. This is a great parade, and the best part is, you can catch it almost every night in December for free. Be sure to check online for when they’ll be closest to you, as the route changes. It's the perfect winter evening activity for tiny boat enthusiasts (and their parents).
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights features more than two million lights and is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. Enjoy the amazing sounds of local schools, churches, and civic groups as you explore the beautiful property. Concerts are scheduled each evening and families can also enjoy outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and storytimes.
Good to Know: Kids 2 and under are free at this display.
8840 N.E. Skidmore St. Portland Online:thegrotto.org
Christmas on the Campground
Drive by or stroll through the Apostolic Faith Church’s campground to enjoy thousands of lights with the kids this year. The lights are on from dusk to dawn at this free display, and music plays at two different times throughout the night. In addition to the life-size nativity scene, the coolest part of the display is hands down the ginormous Christmas tree at the heart of the display. It's the tallest in Southeast Portland, and it's one reason to bring the kids to see this festive display.
Add Lightopia in Hillsboro to your light tour this year. Families can take in all the beautiful sights as you drive along a half-mile winter landscape. This free display is open for visitors on Sundays through Thursdays, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends until 10 p.m. One thing to note, you'll need a reservation to drive through, so snag one while you can.
Dates: Dec. 3-31, 2022 (Closed Christmas Day)
Gordon Faber Recreation Complex (Hillsboro Stadium) 4450 N.E. Century Blvd. Hillsboro, OR Online:hillsboro-oregon.gov
Clackamas County Winter Fair
Head over to the Clackamas County Event Center for the 3rd Annual Winter Fair and Holiday Market. Not only can you enjoy more than 200,000 lights and scenes, but the kids can meet Santa while you check off people on your Christmas list. Admission to the experience is just $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3-12. Bring your 3 and unders for free.
One street you absolutely cannot skip is Peacock Lane—known as Portland’s Christmas Street. Located in S.E. Portland, each house on this little street has been taking Christmas cheer to the next level since 1932. From nativity scenes and rotating trees to re-enactments of your favorite holiday characters and movies, Peacock Lane continues to delight visitors from near and far. You can find this super sweet displays along S.E. Peacock Lane between SE Stark and Belmont Streets.
Insider Tip: Families can walk the display without car congestion on pedestrian-only nights. This year they're scheduled for December 15-17.
Nearly anywhere you drive in Portland, you are likely to see stunning and creative light displays by local families. Holding true to our city's reputation for creativity, you are guaranteed a bright and magical holiday when you live in the City of Roses. Don't forget to pack some hot chocolate and candy canes, to add to the seasonal magic when you head out to one of Portland's many neighborhood light displays. Pile everyone into the car and head to these neighborhoods to see some of the best home grown displays in town. Some of our favorite areas include the Pearl District, Downtown Portland, Alberta, and the Sellwood/Moreland area.
These Cookie kits are almost too cute to eat. Almost.
Forget old school gingerbread houses (unless you love them. Then you do you and we fully support it!). Create a new family tradition with Target’s line of cookie kits. These cookie kits are taking over the holidays with creative, customizable, and oh-so-cute designs and we can’t wait to start frosting!
Whether you're remembering the treehouse you grew up with or celebrating the one your kiddos are enjoying now, this is one tree-mendously adorable kit! This is a great unique take on an original gingerbread house design that captures a classic childhood memory.
We'll never ever say "no" to glitter, but add a unicorn and an alpaca, and you have one magical cookie chateau! Any pink-lover will be in love with this pretty kit.
Even the iconic red spheres at the entrance are included in this fabulous Target Cookie kit! It also includes a customizable Target associate name tag, a full Target shopping cart, and Bullseye the dog.
You don't have to be a west coast dweller to appreciate this row house kit! It comes with the supplies to make three houses so you can create a modernized take on the gingerbread house.
It's a face off between red and green with this Stadium Gingerbread Kit! Soccer and football fans alike will be fans of this one since it comes with both soccer and football goals and the stadium is sold out with nonpareil people!
It wouldn't be the holidays without reindeer! You can decorate these cuties as their own display, or add them to one of the other kits to create the ultimate festive centerpiece!
Maybe a simple gingerbread house isn't quite enough for you. Maybe you prefer something a little grander, a little bigger. This Holiday Mansion Gingerbread Kit delivers one decadent diorama.
Even if you've never lived on a farm, this Holiday Barn Gingerbread Kit makes you feel like home! This one is especially good for little ones with its farm animal friends and Christmas candy corn-covered silo.
We all know Santa's mailbox is where all our letters go, so it's an important part of the holidays. This is a quick and cute little project, or you can add it to a bigger scene!
The Beach House Kit has to be one of our favorites. From the bright blue house to the palm tree to the gingerbread sand, this is giving "Mele Kalikimaka" vibes!
The Illuminated Manor gets its illumination from butterscotch windows designed to add a warm glow. You can even place a flameless tea light inside the house for a real light-up effect!
A cozy cabin in the winter is so comforting, and the log cabin details and darling little trees set the seasonal scene!
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We don’t always wear matching couples t-shirts, but when we do, it’s because it’s the holidays
While the upcoming (or current, if you like getting a jump on things early!) holiday season often means sparkles and suits, dresses and dapper duds. That’s definitely something we’re looking forward to, but who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned t-shirt?
Holiday tees are everywhere, and some of our absolute favorites are matching holiday couples t-shirts. A little funny. A little cheesy. A lot festive. There’s no better time to have fun, be silly, and create the perfect picture ops! They’re also a really sweet way to coordinate for the season. (And frankly, any of these work with your favorite leggings and a pair of sneakers or booties, so that’s a pretty big win in our book!)
Whether you have a holiday get together, family photo session, or a holiday shopping date, these couples t-shirts are so fun. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they’re super comfy, easily merry, and not too hard to talk your spouse into wearing (we know from experience). Wear them with a cardigan, flannel, or get on the tee-and-dressy-skirt trend for a party! You’ll also be able to rock these t-shirts for years to come. It’s a great year to start a cute new tradition, so check out our holiday couples t-shirt picks and get ready to rock around the Christmas tree!
I Don't Do Matching Christmas Shirts|But I Do
Step 1: Convince your spouse to wear the shirt. Step 2: Tell them they can make sure everyone knows it was against their will and they're only doing it to make you happy.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
The ever-popular after-dinner mint just got a Christmas-time upgrade. Andes Crème de Menthe trees are here—and they’re festive foodie fun for the whole family!
The iconic mint and chocolate candies don’t exactly scream, “It’s Christmas!” Like many other classic candies (think Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey’s Kisses), Andes is dressing up its traditional treat in a cute candy Christmas costume.
photo: Amazon
Andes’ tiny trees feature two layers—a chocolate base and a minty coating on top. The mint layer features circle-shaped ornaments embedded in a holiday-themed tree design along with a big ole bow on top and a pile of presents underneath.
So where can you pick up a pack of these cute Christmas candies? Nab a 24-pack on Amazon for $32 and fill everyone’s Christmas stockings with minty delicious holiday cheer!
The Queen of Country is ready to spread a little extra holiday cheer! Thanks to Williams Sonoma, you can buy a Dolly Parton advent calendar and make your festivities extra legendary.
For starters, the calendar design is frame-worthy and you might be hesitant to punch it in. But Dolly’s favorite candies are inside, including Red Poles, a chewy strawberry gummy straws filled with sweet crème and Sour Santas, red-and-white sour cherry Santa gummies. You’ll find nine total different treats to make the month extra sweet!
The Dolly Parton advent calendar is available exclusively at Williams-Sonoma for $40. Better add it to the cart soon because this one’s definitely got the sell out factor. Have a Holly Dolly December!
Breaking news! We just got word from the North Pole that Santa Claus and his elves are considered essential workers after all. The Elf High Council spent months debating and spreading holiday cheer and it was deemed more necessary than ever. Not to worry, they’ve been self-quarantined at the North Pole by sheer logistics and geography. Still, the elves are worried that St. Nick’s annual trip around the world may expose him to COVID-19. He could also potentially be an infection vector, visiting billions of homes in one night and traveling through quarantine zones and pandemic hotspots like Des Moines, Iowa (despite strict travel bans!).
Long term consequences were reviewed and studied since Santa is in a high-risk group: over the age of 85 (he’s 1,750 years old) and obese (between 250 lbs. and 350 lbs.—that’s a lot of cookies!). 12-year-old Holly L. of South Georgia proclaimed that “magic” would keep him safe from infection. Others in her 6th grade class are not so sure, especially Aaron, who is well known to be on the naughty list and failing band. Though, early calculations predict that there were way less children on the good list this year.
The added concern of bringing COVID-19 home to the workshop and infecting his workforce was stated by The Fair Labor Association on behalf of Elf Toymakers Union. If the workforce and supply chain of the North Pole goes down, we may risk more than just this Christmas it could be the end of all Christmas. Plans are in place for Santa and his reindeer to completely isolate in a secured bunker for 14 days upon returning to the North Pole. Despite disruptions in the supply chain for the toy workshop raw materials and logistics planning for no contact delivery (drones have been beta tested with mixed results), Santa and his spokes-elf announced that Christmas will run as planned. The toys are mostly ready. They also released this WHOville approved list of appropriate actions to keep Santa and your families safe.
Clean your home really well. Especially the room with the tree. Drench the floor and furniture with PineSol brand PineSol #PineSol. Vodka works too. (Santa just loves the piney smell of PineSol. This is not a paid endorsement).
Please place a fresh disposable mask on your front door for Santa to use at your house. Fresh single use hand sanitizer is also welcome.
All cookies must be individually wrapped. A hot cup of tea in a biodegradable to-go cup is also welcome. Santa is a fan of Earl Grey but Mrs. Claus wants him to drink herbal rosehip and citrus with a splash of elderberry. Judy the elf says skip the cookies and leave a roll of toilet paper instead. #panicbuy
Do not, we repeat, do not let children wait for Santa in the room with the tree. Asleep or not, their mere presence can spread COVID. Lock up your sugar plums in their bedrooms. We see you when you are sleeping. It’s creepy, right?
Santa’s new PPE suit was designed by a hazmat crew and could potentially be scary to children who expect the Coca-Cola Santa attire. We’ve rebranded for the pandemic. #safeSanta
If possible, run an air purifier in the room with the point of entry.
If you would like a no contact option, please note that in your “Christmas Letter to Santa” and presents will be left on the doorstep. For those being extra careful, make a note and we will shrink wrap everything. Wait until New Year’s Day to actually open and unwrap.
Regarding Christmas Wishes: Santa’s magic can do a lot but it cannot bring Grandma back to life. Or make parties and playdates safe again. Santa can still do puppies though. 2020 is a good year to ask for puppies. (No contact delivery with shrink wrap option does not apply to puppies).
If you’d like to donate your Christmas Wish to help the starving children next door whose parents are not allowed to work but whose landlord still has to pay the bank…please write soon. #GhostofChristmasFuture
It is our fondest hope that this time next year, Santa will return to malls, storefronts, nursing homes, and children’s hospitals spreading holiday cheer instead of a potentially dangerous variation of SARS, uninterrupted by the traffic jam of Grim Reapers who would like it known that they are overworked and underpaid and miss their families too. Please note that if you wish to opt out of Santa deliveries this year, that’s okay too. #savesanta #highrisk #essentialworkers
Danelle Lejeune's photography and writing is about motherhood, farming, feminism, and finding the beauty in a post glacial landscape. She keeps bees and torments the neighbors with learning to play the Cajun accordion. Her teenage girls are the cause of her grey hair and laugh lines.
Has your Scout Elf visited yet this holiday season? The Lumistella Company is kicking off the Christmas season with a virtual event designed to bring holiday happiness to kids of all ages. Santa and his Scout Elves invite families to gather in the comfort of their own home and begin celebrating the holidays with “The Elf on the Shelf’s Night Before Christmas Storytime” featuring Brad Paisley.
“We are honored to bring Santa’s stories to life with Brad in an inventive way that keeps safety first this season,” notes Chanda Bell, co-CEO of The Lumistella Company and Santa’s chief storyteller. “I’ve consulted the Big Guy, and he was thrilled to have Brad’s support for the launch of “The Elf on the Shelf’s Night Before Christmas” storybook (exclusively at Target).”
On Wed., Dec. 2, “The Elf on the Shelf’s Night Before Christmas Storytime” with Brad Paisley will launch on The Elf on the Shelf’s YouTube channel. Paisley will narrate this humorous and festive tale about one Scout Elf’s Christmas Eve mission to serve up the perfect Christmas Eve, which almost ends in disaster before Santa saves the day. In addition, fans can enjoy a sing-along or two on YouTube with The Elf on the Shelf’s Night Before Christmas Song and other festive music videos, or they can immerse themselves in a silly elf-inspired talk show, “Cocoa with Joe.”
Paisley, whose Scout Elves often appear on his social media channels with funny antics each Christmas season, said, “Around our house, the Christmas season is full of family time and fun traditions. One of my favorites is waking up every morning to discover what kind of happiness and hoopla The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves got in to while we were asleep. Our Scout Elves, Snowflake and Pinocchio, know how to make the holidays a time of joy, celebration and craziness.”
“We are deeply committed to creating joyful family moments, which the world needs now more than ever. Celebrations across the world may look different this year, but the joy of the season as seen through the eyes of children is a reminder that our shared traditions endure,” states The Lumistella Company president, Mike Champion. “We are excited to partner with Brad Paisley this season in bringing a little holiday cheer to all.”
It’s December and your mailbox is overflowing with sparkly season’s greetings. Instead of letting all those cards pile up and create a festive avalanche on your kitchen counter, why not put them on display? From options for mamas who know their way around a staple gun to a glittery, retro choice that requires nothing more than leaving yourself in the hands of an Etsy master, we’ve rounded up 11 creative ways to do just that. Scroll down to see them all.
Looking for a way to deck your halls with paper greetings brimming over with holiday cheer? Oh Joy's clever card hangers can be whipped up with items that you already have lying around the house. Gather up a few wire hangers and yarn in your favorite hues, and start making a set. Find all the details you need here.
Create a Card Tree
Kate Loweth
This is a super easy idea that gets your cards on display as they come in. Nail a ribbon into the wall and add on a DIY star at the top. As your cards arrive, staple them to each other and to the ribbon so that you are forming a Christmas tree shape.
This festive pin board from Sugar and Cloth for Minted can be re-used to display Christmas cards year after year. With a little foam board, a roll of cork, and elbow grease, you and your littles can make your own. Spray a seasonal layer of glittery paint on it, or leave the cork as is and let your cards pop against a light brown background. Head over the hills and through the woods to Julep for step-by-step directions.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by too much holiday cheer—parties, caroling fests, and cookie baking, oh my—try this simple addition to your holiday decor. An antique book, dreamed up by Amy Duncan of Studio Four Corners Design, with pages folded down just so makes for an easy and elegant way to display seasons greetings. Bonus: if you pick up a book at your local thrift shop, you’ll have money left over to spring for the extra-large candy cane your kiddo’s been eyeing.
Clean-lined magnetic picture rails can show off holiday cards in December and your favorite family snaps into the new year. This project, dreamed up by You Are My Fave for Minted, requires a little more work than some of the other options, but it’s worth it if it becomes a permanent part of your décor. Pick up some festive magnets, like this trio of Santas, for an extra-seasonal touch of ho ho ho!
Long, dark winter nights dragging you down? Brighten things up inside your house with a twinkly card display your kids are sure to love. Small picture hooks, strands of lights in classic white or your fave colors of the season, and mini-clips perfect for card hanging come together to create winter-time magic. Fairy Lights & Fun spells out the how-to for you.
Glue-gunned out? Never fear: here comes Etsy to the rescue! This festive, glittery hanger from Etsy seller Lauren Lash Designs is packed with retro flair and ready to put up on any door in your home that's begging for a little holiday cheer. Snap one up, and spend your time sipping eggnog and taking your kiddos on a drive to ooh and ahh over awesome neighborhood light displays. Order one from Lauren Lash Designs via Etsy here.
The holiday-perfect wreath and chicken wire combo from the crafty mamas at Lolly Jane make for a big, bold holiday statement. Fair warning: this is a big project to take on, so you might want to set the kids up with their annual viewing of How The Grinch Stole Christmas while you work. Hit your local hardware store for wood, flat corner braces, and sawtooth hangers, and hammer away.
Washi tape never looked so good! This display has a serious wow factor and isn't all that hard to do. Supplies are minimal, and kiddos will have a blast helping decorate the "wall tree." Plus, think of all that space you just saved! Get all the tree trimming details at Thyme is Honey.
If you want to display your Christmas cards in a super tidy display, check out these farmhouse boxes on Etsy. You can personalize yours for the color and greeting you like and it will be ready to display all your cards without taking over your house.
Let’s give thanks this Thanksgiving for these Bay Area kids and teenagers who are showing us that even the smallest voices can make a world of change. We hope that you share these stories with your kids and let them be inspired to do good in their community. Giving back to your community doesn’t have to be a big effort, kids can start small with many different opportunities for kids to volunteer at home. Our community thanks you!
Teddy's for Tots—Cali Martire
Saratoga 4th grader Cali Martire started Teddy's For Tots when she was just five years old with a mission to make sure all children at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital received a teddy bear for Christmas! It all began with a question: “How does Santa get the toys to the sick kids in the hospital?" From this moment, Cali made it her mission to make sure that every child at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford had a Teddy Bear on Christmas morning. Since 2016, Cali has inspired the donation of 2,500 teddy bears (and counting!)
Now in its fifth year, Teddy's for Tots has expanded in 2020 to provide gifts to children in the Santa Clara County foster care system. You can support this worthy cause by shopping the Teddy's for Tots donation page through December 1 and spreading a little holiday cheer!
Palo Alto teenager Owen Fong has been delighting neighbors with his spam musubi for months now, many finding it to be a highlight of quarantine. Owen sells spam musubi, egg musubi, and spam and egg musubi and delivers them on Mondays throughout Palo Alto. All of his profits go to charity with a different one selected each month.
Bay Area insiders know that if you want the freshest produce and local products (like pastries, honey and fresh-made ice cream), you need to get in on the bi-weekly group orders from Giving Fruits. This Palo Alto group blossomed out of a community desire to support local farmers who weren't able to get their precious products to customers due to COVID-19.
The weekly management from compiling orders to organizing volunteers is all done by Palo Alto High School senior, Jean-Pierre Mouloudj. Jean-Pierre has really taken the reigns on this massive project even when school went back into session this fall. He also started a club at Paly to support Giving Fruits and get other high schoolers involved.
Not only does purchases through Giving Fruits support local farmers, but profits from the purchases go to support frontliners and food trucks, two other groups greatly impacted by COVID-19. They also support local shelters like LifeMoves and Women’s Shelter by hhcollab.org, the South Palo Alto Food Closet, Dreamers Road Map and starting this week the Ecumenical Hunger Program.
Sometimes the smallest voices are the most powerful. Meet 8- and 10-year-old siblings Walt and Naima who are better known as The Justice Kids. These young Daly City residents are literally leading the charge on social and racial justice reform in the Bay Area. They were greatly impacted by the death of Elijah McClain and, with the support of their mother, organized a march on the Great Highway in July. Follow their Instagram page for action ideas on how kids can get involved in the social and racial justice movement from sending postcards to easy-to-use scripts for calling your representatives to demand change.
When 6-year-old Andy Soulard learned that the Oakland Zoo was in jeopardy of closing permanently due to COVID-19 she went into action. Starting with $5 she had received from the tooth fairy, Andy started a fundraising campaign that raised over $225,000 for the zoo. For every donor who donated over $25, Andy would send them a bracelet and drawing that she made. She also recently asked for Oakland Zoo donations in lieu of gifts for her 7th birthday. Talk about an inspiring kid!
Got an inspiring kid in your neighborhood? Send us an email at kate.loweth at tinybeans.com so we can add them!