Santa’s Little Helper App
Santa reveals how he makes phone calls to kids with the PNP – Portable North Pole app.
It used to be that the only way to reach Santa was to write a letter or go to the mall, but in recent years, the North Pole has had some technological upgrades. Now Santa can make phone calls and even send videos to kids of all ages through the PNP – Portable North Pole app.
He knows the name of every child he speaks to, gets helpful hints from grown-ups about how kids (and other adults) are behaving, and he even makes time for calls on Christmas Eve! How does he do it all? We managed to score an exclusive interview with Mr. Claus himself to find out.
Why did you create an app where you can reach out to kids?
I wanted every child to have a chance to meet me, so I could tell them all how special they are. But I’m not the best with technology, so I got some help from some very talented Invengineer Elves to make it possible.
How do you make the videos for kids?
I spend most of my days taking care of the North Pole operations—ensuring the toys are on schedule, the workshop is well-stocked with wrapping paper, and the reindeer have plenty to eat. (Did you know they eat a magical mix of lichen and stardust to help them fly?)
Through it all, the elves follow me around with cameras, so that when I receive a letter or call about a child, I can respond to them quickly with a call or video.
What kinds of letters and calls do you get?
Well, my favourite ones are when parents reach out because of good deeds their children have done, and I can congratulate them and tell them that they’re on track for the Nice List. But sometimes children need a little nudge in the right direction. Every kid can make it on the Nice List as long as they try.
And you get some letters about adults too, right?
Oh yes, and I do videos and make calls to them too, because everybody who believes in Santa deserves a call. It could be to wish them a happy birthday, or sometimes a friend has a sassy message they ask me to pass along. Spouses even let me know when their partners aren’t helping out around the house.
How do you have time to make these calls, even on Christmas Eve?
I get a lot of help from the elves—and a little bit of magic. The Invengineer Elves built a magic pendulum at the North Pole that slows down time to help me get all of my important work done. How else could I get around the entire world in one night?
Are there any other ways for kids to reach you?
The elves and I have created lots of fun ways to share the magic of the North Pole through the app. Kids can watch me read bedtime stories; they can open new videos every day in an advent calendar; and they can play games!
What do you love most about the app?
I love seeing children’s faces light up when I talk to them and they see that I’ve been keeping an eye on how they’re doing all year long. For me, that’s the magic of Christmas.