A few days ago my mom sent me a link to this adorable website, Portable North Pole, that lets you create a personalized video message from Santa to your children, friends, or spouse for free! They also sell copies of the video that you can download straight onto your computer, but they will email you a version hosted for a limited time on their website for free.
I have not been compensated by this company, I just thought this product was adorable and it was a big hit at our house! Nicholas, age 3, watched his video several times and was talking to the screen every time Santa asked him a question. I even made one and sent it to Eddie to brighten his day at work. (My favorite part of that one was when Santa said “I know you’ve been working hard to listen to your smart wife.” hehe)
If you want to see what the finished product looks like, you can click here to see the video I made for Nicholas.
You might notice that the book in the video says “Mack from the movie Cars.” Although I planned to do a strictly homemade Christmas, Nicholas has been talking non-stop about that particular toy and how Santa is going to bring it for him. I had to cave and get it, so we will have exactly one store-bought gift under the tree this year.
This brings me to a question: Do you send your kids’ Christmas gift list to family & friends?
Personally, I do, but only because I’ve been asked to. My mother-in-law & my grandmother & my brother-in-law have all asked me for our detailed list of sizes, the kids’ interests, and toys that they would like but we don’t already have. So I send the list, but I only send it to our parents, brothers & sisters & my dear friend (of almost 20 years already, wow!) Lauren, who is also Abby’s godmother. I also specifically ask that everyone buys only one or two gifts for each child. In the past, we have had some very generous givers overwhelm our small living space with excess.
Do you think it’s obnoxious to send the gift list?
I admit it does make me feel uncomfortable to ask for specific gifts for my children, but our family genuinely seems to want the list. What about yours?
And what are you asking Santa for this year? I asked for the Sound of Music on DVD, a zebra print Snuggie (yes, I actually want a Snuggie), and a few more pieces to add to my temp-tations stoneware collection. I also think this tray from Blessing Unlimited would be pretty perfect on my new kitchen island…
Do you feel as awkward as I do when your parents & brothers & sisters call to ask what they can buy you and your kids?
Awkward or not, I am very grateful that all of my children’s grandparents are financially secure and in a position to share their resources with Nick and Abby!
Looking for more ways to capture some Christmas memories? Check out my post about how to take great pictures of your Christmas tree lights.
Hi Stephanie,
Couldn’t find your email so decided to comment. I’m in Harrisburg and meeting up sometime at the Playhouse Cafe would be fun :).