Cooperative Living November/December 2018 - 23

WebTalk | by Laura Emery, Field Editor
Christmas for Kids
C
hristmas is a magical time of year - a time for togetherness, for generosity, for good
food, good friends and good cheer. It's also a treat for the senses with twinkling
lights, merry music, jingling bells, and warm scents of cinnamon and clove.
Children, especially, love the anticipation of waking up on Christmas morning to a bounty of
gifts beneath the sparkling tree. It's a time filled with memories and traditions, which is why
we've compiled a list of websites geared specifically toward creating even more special memories
for the little ones in your life.
portablenorthpole.com/en/videos
Three excited siblings were already tucked into bed when Mom's
cellphone pinged. " It's a video message from Santa! " she told her
youngsters as their eyes grew wide with surprise. Sure enough,
there was Santa talking to the children, by name, from his village
in the North Pole. Santa even had photos of the three siblings
from out of his secret Naughty or Nice file.
This magical moment was made possible by the
portablenorthpole.com, a website that allows Santa to send
personalized messages to children. More than 150 million video
messages from the PNP digital platforms have been viewed by
Santa fans since its launch in 2008. There are a handful of popular
video templates available for free, but you also have the option to
buy premium content, which includes more personalization options,
more photos, and a wider variety of incredible scenes. PNP is
available on portablenorthpole.com, as well as mobile phones and
tablets via a free downloadable mobile application. This app is
compatible with Apple's devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod) as well as
most Android phones and tablets.
PNP also proudly partners with children's hospitals across the
world and has made the lives of sick kids a little brighter. Its hospital
program donates 5 percent directly to participating hospitals.
icaughtsanta.com
Proof of Santa's existence no longer lies in a half-eaten cookie
discovered on Christmas morning by excited youngsters. Now,
photographic evidence is expected. And that's where icaughtsanta.com
saves the day. The app allows parents to create unlimited photos
on a smartphone or tablet using Santa stickers (or Rudolph the
Reindeer) that can be inserted into any image of a glowing
Christmas tree with piles of gifts beneath. Just snap a photo of
your Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, and then slap on a Busted
Santa sticker and - voila! - you now have proof that Santa visited
your house! The look of wonder and surprise when children see
Santa in their home makes this app a Christmas must for those
with small children. Best part is that it's a free download!
thebestideasforkids.com/christmas-crafts-for-kids
There's something about Christmas crafts that makes them both
memorable and magical. Here, you'll find nearly 50 adorable
Christmas crafts for kids. Whether it's a snowman slime jar,
co-opliving.com
clothespin reindeer, popsicle-stick Christmas tree or a paper
plate Santa, they're timeless and treasurable.
parents.com/recipes/holidays/christmas/12-kid-friendlychristmas-cookies
At
parents.com, they understand the undeniably strong
connection between kids and cookies, especially during the holidays.
" Mark the days before Santa's arrival with these adorable holiday
sweets. We trimmed a lot of the baking steps so kids can get to
the favorite parts - decorating and eating. Your kitchen will be
overflowing with homemade treats and happy children in no
time, " reads the website introduction.
northpole.com
This is a great, interactive holiday website for children of all
ages. Here you can write to Santa Claus, read stories, enjoy karaoke,
send holiday e-cards, peek inside Mrs. Claus' cookbook for
delicious recipes, play games and puzzles, enjoy educational
activities, chat with Santa's elves, print stories to color - even
put you or your child in a personalized story. This website's
stories and activities combine traditional feelings of Christmas
goodwill with state-of-the-art computer technology for a childsafe,
family-friendly online holiday experience. Don't forget to
check out Disco Dancing Santa getting his boogie on, as he's a
popular feature on the site and has brought giggles to many.
christianity.about.com/od/holidaytips/tp/christmascharit.htm
Christmas is synonymous with indulgence, as people stuff
themselves with delectable delights and fill their homes with
gifts galore. It's easy, during this time of year, to forget that
there are many families who are struggling just to put food on
the table. Elaborate parties and holiday gifts just aren't in the
picture for them. This year, consider helping others in need by
donating to a charity. About.com has compiled a list of the top
five Christmas charity projects. They include Angel Tree,
Operation Christmas Child, Make a Wish Foundation, Toys
for Tots, and My Two Front Teeth. It's a great way to teach
children about the importance of thinking of other children
during this special time of year, so that the holiday can be
magical for everyone. 
November-December 2018 | Cooperative Living | 21
ICAUGHTSANTA.COM PHOTO

http://www.ICAUGHTSANTA.COM http://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/videos http://www.parents.com/recipes/holidays/christmas/12-kid-friendly http://www.parents.com http://www.portablenorthpole.com http://www.northpole.com http://www.portablenorthpole.com http://www.icaughtsanta.com http://christianity.about.com/od/holidaytips/tp/christmascharit.htm http://www.icaughtsanta.com http://www.About.com http://www.thebestideasforkids.com/christmas-crafts-for-kids http://www.co-opliving.com

Cooperative Living November/December 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living November/December 2018