With the holiday season in full swing, parents are revealing the great lengths they go through to keep the magic of Christmas alive and maintain the illusion of Santa Claus for as long as possible.
Many have taken to social media to reveal a series of very clever hacks and tricks that they have used to preserve Santa’s image, from using special wrapping paper for the gifts that come from his workshop in the North Pole, to creating snowy footprints using flour or baking soda.
And if craftiness and DIY isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other sneaky methods being shared, including online Santa trackers, video chats with the man himself, and even a clever hack that makes it appear as though you are giving the festive favorite a call whenever your kids are naughty.
Here, FEMAIL has collected the best and brightest Santa hacks to help bring a little more magic to your holiday season…
1. Video chat with Santa
Ho ho ho! Parents are sharing clever hacks that they use to maintain the illusion of Santa for their kids, including one website allows you to video chat with Santa Claus himself
Santa Claus has well and truly made his way into the 21st Century, upgrading from the traditional letters to online video chats.
Festive website Video Chat With Santa allows your kids to come face to face with the man himself, live from his workshop in the North Pole – complete with the traditional fur-trimmed red coat and hat, and even the much-loved beard.
Reservations can be made in advance on the ‘Santa Cal’ and only those 18 and over can schedule appointments with Santa, so children can’t get away with booking up all of his time – he does have presents to prep after all.
The five-minute-long calls are then conducted via phone and a computer – so that the kids can see Santa as they chat to him.
2. Make a personalized video message from Santa
Nice: One website allows you to create a personalized video message that appears to have been sent by Santa from the North Pole
If you can’t manage to find time in Santa’s busy schedule to reserve a video chat time, why not create a personalized video message for your children instead?
And it’s not just kids that will want to share in the fun.
Portable North Pole offers a range of different video templates aimed at young fans of Santa and grown-ups, as well as a series of festive-focused clips that reveal how Christmas is celebrated in various locations around the world, from England and the US to Iceland and Australia.
In order to make one of the videos – which can be purchased for $4.99 each, or $9.99 for a bundle – simply pick your preferred clip, fill out the information that you want Santa to relay, and then add in any pictures you want him to feature in his ‘Big Book’.
The website also offers a series of recorded voice messages from Santa that can be accessed via phone, allowing your kids to give St. Nicholas a call whenever they wish.
3. Create Santa’s snowy footprints
Follow the footsteps: Pour baking soda on the floor and get someone to walk through it with boots on, leaving footprints that resemble Santa’s
We’ve all been privy to the age-old trick of leaving a mince pie out for Santa on Christmas Eve – only for it to be gobbled up by a parent posing as Father Christmas – but why not add to the fun for your kids with another shred of evidence that he has paid them a visit?
One sneaky suggestion is to create Santa’s snowy footprints in your home, making it look as though he has stomped through the house on his way from the fireplace – or the front door! – to the stockings to leave his gifts.
Ring ring: Change your partner’s name to Santa in your phone
There are two methods for this magical trick: the first suggests tracing the bottom of a shoe, preferably a heavy boot belonging to a man, on cardboard, then cutting out the outline and using it as a guide to sprinkle flour, powdered sugar, or baking soda over.
The second suggests simply pouring one of these handy kitchen ingredients on the floor and then walking through it with boots on.
Either way, there’s no doubt it will go down as a treat with any Christmas lovers.
4. Change a name to Santa in your contacts
Who knew such a simple and easy trick could be so effective?
Pick someone that you call frequently – whether it’s friend or a partner – and change their name to Santa in your phone for the duration of the holidays.
Not only will it thrill your kids to see you corresponding with the main man himself so often, this trick also works as a simple way to let your kids know you have been reporting back to his headquarters any time they are misbehaving – or equally, anytime that they are doing something good.
5. Install a ‘Santa cam’
He’s always watching: Trick your kids into thinking the ornament on your tree is a video camera that records everything to show Santa
While some may think this hack is a little bit over the top and some may say it’s an invasion of privacy, it’s actually pretty hilarious in a mischievous way.
You don’t have to buy an actual camera to try this hack and while this trick is a DIY project, that doesn’t mean you can’t try it. Websites offer handmade Santa Cams that you can purchase.
All you have to do is either buy a simple ball ornament or use one you already have and paint a black ‘camera lens’ in the center.
At the top, simply write ‘Santa’s Cam’ and you can add whatever you’d like at the bottom, although writing ‘naughty or nice?’ is definitely a good way to scare the kids.
When you’re finished, hang the ornament on your tree so your kids think Santa Claus is watching whether or not they’re misbehaving. Knowing the ‘camera’ is there will definitely spook the kids into being good.
6. Santa certificate
Signed, sealed, delivered: Say goodbye to the age old Santa letter and hello to naughty and nice list certificates
Remember when the only contact kids had with Santa was a single letter he would send stating that he knows what the kids have been up to?
Why not send your kids a certificate, as Santa, about their behavior. If your kid has been good, send them one of two official certificates – a Nice List or Naughty List Certificate stating ‘In recognition of your good behavior this yea, I, Santa, officially place _____ on my 2017 Nice/ Naughty List.’
The paper looks legitimate considering it’s certified by the North Pole, signed and printed by Santa Claus, and has a stamp of his approval. To get the certificates you can download templates online, or simply make them yourself.
It’s a fun and easy way to show your kids that Santa knows when they’ve been bad or good.
7. NORAD – North Pole Tracker
Where is he? Thanks to NORAD, starting December 1st your kids can see exactly where Santa is at all times by tracking his whereabouts through the website
If your kids are constantly nagging you and asking where Santa is, what he’s doing or how many days there are till Christmas, worry no more. Simply show them how to use the NORAD website created by The North American Aerospace Defense Command.
The website, which has seven different languages, officially goes live starting December 1st, 2017 and it allows you to track where Old St. Nick is at all times. The site offers so many things to do such as explore the North Pole, play games, watch movies, and see what Santa’s up to.
While the site starts running December 1st, the biggest day of the year for NORAD is December 24th, Christmas Eve, where the Operations Center staffs 1,500 volunteers to answer incoming calls and emails from kids and adults from all over the world.
Not only can they call and email in, for the first time they can also track Santa through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, plus, live updates are provided on the website throughout the night on Christmas Eve so that kids know when Santa will be arriving at their house.
8. Google Santa Tracker
Tick-tock: Countdown the days till Christmas down to the seconds and track Santa’s whereabouts with Google’s Santa Tracker
When your kids start to get antsy about how many days are left till Christmas, simply show them Google’s Santa Tracker website which launches December 1st, 2017.
While the kids can’t start tracking Kris Kringle till Christmas Eve, starting the 1st, they can watch a countdown till Christmas down to the seconds, play games, explore Santa’s Village and the North Pole, and even help Santa find the best sleigh route he should take on the map.
Starting on Christmas Eve, December 24th, you can track Santa’s whereabouts at all times throughout the night at anytime from anywhere to ensure your gifts will make it home safe.
You and your kids can watch Santa roam around his house and workshop in the North Pole and then watch him take off on his sleigh, so you and the kids know when it’s time to go to bed.
9. Santa’s license
No exceptions: Let your kids know that even Santa needs a license to drive his sleigh and hide it so they think he dropped it on his way out
This is hilarious. There are no exceptions to the law, not even Santa Claus himself. What better way to prove that St. Nick stopped by the house to drop off presents, than leaving his license behind.
Thanks to the company, Santa’s License, you can head to their website to order your very own copy of Santa’s I.D., which is insanely realistic and is super affordable at just $7.49 plus you get FREE shipping.
It features an official seal of the North pole Department of Public safety, Santa’s photo, his address, stats and Santa’s signature. On the backside you’ll find a magnetic strip, a barcode, and a list of restrictions and endorsements.
As if it could get any better, you don’t have to be worried that the kids will find the obvious letter in the mail, because the company sends the license in a plain envelope to ‘avoid suspicions upon arrival.’
Along with Santa’s License, you’ll also be sent a list of suggestions on where to drop it, and what to do if the kids want to return it to Santa.
Leave it under the tree someplace where your kids can see it on Christmas morning so that they think Santa accidentally dropped it when he was dropping off their gifts!
10. Catch Santa on video
This is a fun one for the whole family and it’s super easy. On Christmas Eve night, while ‘the children are nestled, all snug in their beds,’ either you or your partner can dress up as Santa and record Mr. Claus in your house.
Once you’re dressed as Santa, have your partner film you in your home, either walking around the living room, eating the cookies, or better yet, taking presents out of your gift sack and placing them under the tree.
You can either use your cellphone to video tape or an actual camera, and it will make the late night of putting your kids’ presents under the tree on Christmas Eve a lot more exciting.
When your kids wake up on Christmas day, show them the video footage so they see that Santa actually did drop off presents and was roaming around the house.
11. Use different handwriting
Sneaky: Your kids are smarter than you think, so when you’re signing gifts as Santa, make sure to change your handwriting
This hack may seem obvious, but it’s actually quite important. You may forget when you’re signing your kids gifts all night long that it’s nearly impossible for Santa Claus and Mom or Dad to have the same handwriting.
So, when you’re signing presents as ‘Love Mom & Dad,’ remember that gifts signed as Santa have to be in a different handwriting and just switching different colored pens won’t cut it. Your kids will catch on to these simple mistakes.
There are three different ways to pull the trick off. One, the hardest of the three, is to use the opposite hand of the one you write with. Understanding that this may take up a lot of time that you don’t have, there are two easier options.
Two, is to write the gifts from Santa in a different script or font, and three, which is the easiest and our favorite, is to sign a few gifts using full name, Santa Claus, but as for the rest, take the same pen you used and simply sign off as, S.C.
12. Be as excited as they are
WOW: It’s important to remember that if you’re just as excited as the kids are about Christmas, they will be ecstatic
Spending so much time making sure your kids are in the holiday spirit and are getting excited about Christmas can take up most of your thoughts. However, it’s important to remember that you need to be just as excited.
Your kids are always watching what you’re doing and how you react to stuff. So, when you’re in the mall with your children and Santa’s in the lobby, be just as excited as they are to see him so they really know he’s real.
Anytime you see a Santa when you’re out with your kids wherever it may be or if you’re talking to your children or partner about something Christmas related, act just as shocked and joyful as them.
Not only will they think you’re in on all the excitement too, they’ll think that you believe in Santa too.
13. Use different wrapping paper from Santa’s workshop
Santa’s workshop: Using different wrapping paper from Santa’s workshop rather than your usual paper can make a major difference
What are the odds that Santa Claus and my parents have the same exact wrapping paper? Slim to none. Which is why it’s a good idea to use a separate wrapping paper than the one you usually use.
For all the gifts you’re giving as S.C., make sure to use a completely separate wrapping paper from the gifts you’re giving as mom and dad or to friends and family.
If that seems too time-consuming, simply use the same bow for all Santa’s gifts so the children know which gifts were from St. Nick.
This can have serious consequences because your kids are smarter than you think and will recognize your usual paper that has been lying around the house in a heartbeat.
14. Watch what you say in front of the kids
Shhh! Kids are always eavesdropping so don’t forget to filter what you say about Christmas or Santa
With all the stress and business of the holiday season, thinking about filtering what you say and how loud you say it is probably the last thing on your mind.
Whether you’re talking to your partner about presents or anything Christmas related, or even on the phone with a company you ordered gifts from, make sure you watch what you say because chances are your kids’ ears are perked and hanging on your every word.
Just when you think your kids aren’t listening, they usually are. So, aside from filtering what you say, make sure to keep your voice down and if you’re still unsure if your kids are eavesdropping or not, double-check.
As an added tip, making phone calls about anything presents-related could be had in the car.
15. Leave cookies and milk out
Yummy: Leave some snacks out for Santa on Christmas Eve and tell the kids he ate it all come Christmas morning
It’s the oldest trick in the book, but it always does the job. Santa is a big man and after a full night of traveling all over the world dropping off gifts, he needs to be replenished, which is why this hack is so believable.
Everyone knows that Father Christmas can’t resist some fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and a crisp glass of milk. So on the Eve, you and your kids can put some out on the table.
Before morning hits, make sure the cookies are all gone or at least half bitten so the kids know Santa appreciated their generous offer.
Santa’s diet isn’t constricted of just cookies, so you can put out whatever you’d like and make sure you don’t forget the carrots for the eight hungry reindeer.
16. Assemble the toys beforehand
It’s magic: Take time to assemble at least one of the kids gifts so it looks like Santa made it in his workshop and dropped it off
Why is it that Santa and his elves make the gifts in their workshop in the North Pole and then Santa disassembles the toys before he drops them off at your house?
We never really understood how that could be and before your kids start questioning why Santa and his elves would take hours of their time making gifts in a workshop, only to disassemble everything and pack it all up – do it yourself.
If you and your partner have minutes to spare, something as simple as setting up a Barbie Dream House or assembling a basketball hoop will make all the difference.
When your kids wake up on Christmas morning they will be ecstatic that Santa dropped their toy straight through the chimney after working long and hard on building it.
17. Hide all of the gifts you buy
Hide and seek: Make sure to hide all the presents because kids will search everywhere to find them
This seems self-explanatory but it’s one of the most important parts about Christmas.
After all the thought, time and money spent on getting your kids presents, why would you want to ruin all of that because they found gifts in the living room closet?
There’s nothing kids love more than having a little game of hide and go seek, especially when it’s Christmas season and they want to make sure they got all of the gifts they asked for.
Instead of letting them find all of their gifts, make sure all of the presents are in a seriously secure hiding place as if your life depends on it because kids can be very sneaky and are good at finding every little thing.
18. Give them a gift they’ll never think came from you
Surprise! If you’ve been saying no repeatedly to your kids about a certain gift they want, let up a bit and get it for them – they’ll never suspect it was you
Kids are always begging for something. Whether it’s a dog, a video game, a doll – whatever it may be, they will not stop until they get it.
So, if you’ve been rejecting all of their pleas for that special gift they really want, give in a little bit and get it for them. They’ll never suspect that stubborn mom and dad got them the gift after repeatedly saying no.
What they will believe, however, is that of course Santa would get them the gift they’ve been dying for, why wouldn’t he – he’s the best.
They’ll never suspect it was you and they’ll love Santa even more than they already did.
19. Sprinkle red glitter on the floor, lawn or roof
Sparkly night: Sprinkling some red glitter around the house is a cute and easy way to tell the kids it fell off Santa’s reindeer
This is such an easy idea but seriously effective and takes little to no time.
Head to your nearest 99 cents store or craft store and buy a packet of red glitter. Once you’ve bought the sparkles, do whatever your heart desires with it – sprinkle a dash here or there.
You can trickle the glitter around the house (although you probably won’t want to clean it up afterwards), sprinkle it on the front lawn, or if you’re feeling crazy, sprinkle some on the roof and take photos.
What’s the purpose of this you ask? When your kids ask what is this red glitter everywhere and where did it come from you can say it must have fell off Santa’s sleigh and reindeer when he was dropping off gifts.
20. Let The Elf On the Shelf do all the work
Santa’s little elves: Elf on the Shelf can be placed in different spots around the house for your kids to find
Children everywhere have fallen in love with the timeless Christmas toy, The Elf on the Shelf because it’s fun for the whole family.
Getting your hands on the doll is super easy and costs as little as $4.99 from sites such as Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and more. Once you’ve purchased the doll, simply place him in a different position in various rooms throughout the house.
Tell your kids how Santa sent his little elf to the house to make sure things are running smoothly and the kids are behaving well. Each day, remember to move him to a different spot so that when your kids wake up they can run around and find him.
The Elf on the Shelf is such a fun family Christmas tradition that the kids will take joy in and they will become obsessed with trying to find the elf around the house. Make it seem like he has been doing all the heavy lifting and decorating.