On this page
- Two kinds of screen moments
- What makes a live call interactive
- Short and clearly bounded
- A simple routine around the call
- Making the call a "together" moment
- Talking with your child about the call
- When a call is not the best fit
- Questions to ask yourself when planning
- Making the most of the 10 minutes
- Booking basics
- Frequently asked questions
December tends to bring more screens into the house. School is out, the weather is cold and a movie or a tablet is a handy way to keep the peace. Many parents feel a little torn about it, and that is a completely normal feeling. This post is not about telling you how much screen time is right for your family. You know your household best. It is about one simple observation: a live Santa call feels different from a lot of what happens on a screen, and that can help you plan your holiday.
Two kinds of screen moments
Think about the last time your child was on a device. Maybe they were watching a show, scrolling through videos or tapping through a game. Those are mostly things a child does alone, one clip after another, with the screen doing the work.
Now think of a call with someone they care about. There is a face, a voice and a back-and-forth. The person on the other end responds to what your child says.
A live Santa video call is closer to the second kind. It is a conversation, not a show.
What makes a live call interactive
Here is what to expect on the call:
It is one-on-one
Santa talks with your child, not at a crowd.
It is responsive
Santa greets your child by name and uses the details you shared in the booking form, such as a wish list and fun facts. Then he listens and replies to what your child says.
It is conversational
The call is a warm meet-and-greet. There is no menu to scroll and no next video queued up.
It is shared
You can sit beside your child at home, so it becomes a moment you experience together.
None of this is about calling a call "good" and anything else "bad." It is about knowing what you are choosing.
Short and clearly bounded
The call is 10 minutes. That is long enough for a real chat, and short enough to have a natural end. Here is why that helps parents:
- 1
It has a start and a finish
You can tell your child, "We will talk to Santa for a little while, and then we will have hot chocolate." The end of the call is the end of the screen moment.
- 2
There is nothing to keep going
No autoplay, no recommended next thing.
- 3
It is easy to plan around
You can schedule it between other activities, like after dinner or before a bedtime story.
For timing ideas, see the best time of day for a Santa call.
A simple routine around the call
Because the call is short and special, it works well as a little ritual. Here is a gentle routine you can adapt.
Before (10 to 15 minutes)
- Tidy the spot and set up a device on a table or stand. See set up a Santa call corner at home.
- Do a quick bathroom stop and have a drink of water nearby.
- Tell your child what is coming: "In a few minutes, we are going to talk to Santa."
During (10 minutes)
- Sit beside your child and keep the focus on the conversation.
- Silence other notifications and put phones out of reach if you can.
- Let your child lead. A pause is fine.
After (10 to 15 minutes)
- Close the laptop or put the device away together.
- Ask, "What was your favorite part?"
- Move into something hands-on, like a drawing of Santa or a cozy snack.
Making the call a "together" moment
A screen is less isolating when you are next to it. Some ways to make the call a shared activity:
Sit close
A child on your lap or beside you is likely to feel more comfortable.
Join in the smiling
Your reactions help your child feel that this is a happy occasion.
Welcome siblings
Brothers and sisters are welcome on the call. Add their names, ages and a wish or two to the fun facts box when you book, and Santa can greet them too. The total time is still 10 minutes.
Keep the room calm
Turn off the television in the background so the focus stays on Santa.
Talking with your child about the call
Children understand rules better when they are explained simply. You might say:
- "This is a special call, so we are using the screen for a short visit with Santa."
- "When the call is over, we will turn it off and do something else."
Setting this expectation early helps avoid a stalled goodbye. If your child protests when the call ends, acknowledge the feeling: "It's hard to say goodbye to something fun. I know. Let's give Santa a wave."
When a call is not the best fit
A live call may not suit every child or every day. If your child is tired, sick or having a rough afternoon, it is okay to wait. You can change a booking by calling 855-916-9921.
You might also consider the personalized Santa video message, which is about 30 seconds and can be watched when the moment feels right. It is a lighter-touch option for families who prefer an even shorter screen moment.
Questions to ask yourself when planning
- Is my child likely to be rested at this time?
- Do I have a quiet spot with a reliable connection?
- Can I sit with my child for the whole call?
- What will we do right afterward?
- Do I need to say anything about the plan to other family members?
The Santa call checklist covers the tech and setup details in one place.
Making the most of the 10 minutes
Here is a short plan to use the time well:
- 1
Minutes 1 to 2
Hello and a few friendly questions. Let your child warm up.
- 2
Minutes 3 to 7
The heart of the chat: the wish list, a favorite thing and any fun facts you shared.
- 3
Minutes 8 to 10
A cheerful wrap-up and goodbye.
You do not need to follow this like a script. It simply helps to know the rhythm. For more tips on keeping things relaxed, read how to make a Santa video call magical.
Booking basics
The live call is $39, paid in full at booking. Calls run Nov 28 to Dec 24, 2026, at limited times (evenings on Tuesday and Thursday, and weekend mornings, Pacific time). The Meet link is emailed right after you book, along with a reminder before the call. You do not need an account to click the link. See the pricing page and how it works.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the live Santa call?
The call is 10 minutes and one-on-one with a real-beard Santa on Google Meet.
Can the whole family sit with the child during the call?
Yes. You can sit together at your child's home, and siblings are welcome. Add their names, ages and a wish or two to the fun facts box when you book.
Is there anything else on the screen after the call ends?
No. The call is a single conversation that ends when the 10 minutes are up, so you can close the laptop and move on to the next family activity.
What if my child is not in the mood on the day?
You can change a booking by calling 855-916-9921.