Parent's Guide
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Welcome! This guide will help you create the most magical experience for your child. We've answered the most common questions and provided helpful tips for a smooth, memorable call with Santa.
Technical Requirements
Supported Devices
CallSantaTonight works on most modern devices with a camera and microphone:
- Desktop/Laptop Computers - Mac, Windows, or Linux
- Tablets - iPad, Android tablets, or other tablets
- Smartphones - iPhone (iOS 12+) or Android (version 8+)
Tip: For the best experience, we recommend using a tablet or computer with a larger screen. It makes it easier for your child to see Santa clearly and feel more immersed in the magic!
Browsers
The call works directly in your web browser - no app download needed! Supported browsers include:
- Google Chrome (recommended - version 90 or newer)
- Safari (on Mac or iPhone/iPad - version 14 or newer)
- Microsoft Edge (version 90 or newer)
- Firefox (version 88 or newer)
Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is important for a smooth video call:
- Minimum Speed: 5 Mbps download/upload
- Recommended: 10 Mbps or higher for best quality
- Wi-Fi or Cellular: Both work, but Wi-Fi is more reliable
Not sure about your internet speed? You can test it at
fast.com before the call.
Camera & Microphone Permissions
When you click your call link, your browser will ask for permission to use your camera and microphone. Here's what to do:
- Click your unique call link
- Look for a popup or message bar asking for permissions
- Click "Allow" or "Yes"
- If you accidentally clicked "Block," don't worry! Instructions below explain how to fix it.
Before the Call
Age Recommendations
CallSantaTonight is designed for children ages 3 to 10 years old. This is the sweet spot where kids:
- Believe in Santa and the magic of Christmas
- Can hold a simple conversation
- Will be excited (but not overwhelmed) by the experience
Younger Children (3-5): May need more help and encouragement from you during the call. Sit close by and help them if they get shy!
Building Excitement
Here are some ways to prepare your child and build anticipation:
- Tell them ahead of time: "Santa is going to call you from the North Pole!"
- Make it special: Let them wear their favorite pajamas or a Santa hat
- Create a cozy setting: Dim the lights, play holiday music before the call
- Prepare questions: Help them think of things to ask Santa (see below)
Preparing Questions & Talking Points
It helps to have a few topics ready in case your child gets shy. Here are some ideas:
- "What are the reindeer doing right now?"
- "How do the elves make all the toys?"
- "What's your favorite cookie?"
- "How cold is it at the North Pole?"
- "Can you tell me what gifts I'm getting?" (Santa will give hints based on what you told us!)
Managing Expectations
To ensure the magic stays magical:
- Keep it realistic: Explain that Santa is very busy, so the call will be short (5 or 10 minutes)
- Avoid overpromising: Don't guarantee Santa will mention specific things unless you included them in the personalization form
- Embrace the wonder: If your child asks how Santa has time to call, tell them he has special North Pole technology!
During the Call
Parental Presence (Important!)
For safety and to enhance the experience, we require:
- Parents must initiate the call by clicking the link and granting camera/microphone permissions
- Stay nearby during the call, especially for younger children (ages 3-7)
- Be ready to help if your child gets shy, tongue-tied, or needs encouragement
Safety First: Never leave young children alone during the video call. Your presence ensures a safe, comfortable experience.
Encouraging Interaction
If your child is nervous or quiet, try these tips:
- Start simple: Encourage them to say "Hi, Santa!" and wave
- Prompt gently: "Why don't you tell Santa about your favorite toy?"
- Join in: It's okay for you to talk to Santa too! He loves chatting with parents
- Don't force it: Some kids are shy - that's okay! Just listening to Santa is magical too
Handling Technical Issues Mid-Call
If something goes wrong during the call:
- Frozen video? Wait 5-10 seconds - it usually reconnects automatically
- Can't hear Santa? Check your device volume or unmute your speakers
- Santa can't hear you? Check that your microphone isn't muted
- Call disconnected? Just click your link again to reconnect (as long as you haven't used your full time)
Still having trouble? Contact us at a@sstude.com.
After the Call
Keeping the Magic Alive
The experience doesn't have to end when the call does! Here are ways to extend the magic:
- Talk about it: Ask your child what their favorite part was
- Write to Santa: Encourage them to write a thank-you letter
- Share the excitement: Let them tell grandparents or friends about their special call
- Build anticipation: Remind them that Santa is now preparing their gifts!
Referral Program
Love the experience? After your call, you'll receive a unique referral link. When friends or family use your link:
- Your child gets a FREE 5-minute call with Santa
- You help spread the holiday magic to more families!
Troubleshooting
Camera Not Working
If your camera isn't showing video, try these steps:
Chrome (Desktop):
- Click the lock icon or camera icon in the address bar
- Change Camera permission to "Allow"
- Refresh the page
Safari (Mac/iPhone):
- Go to Safari → Settings → Websites → Camera
- Find callsantatonight.com and select "Allow"
- Refresh the page
Still not working?
- Make sure no other apps are using your camera (close Zoom, Skype, etc.)
- Restart your browser
- Try a different browser
Microphone Not Working
If Santa can't hear you:
- Check that your microphone isn't muted (look for a mute icon on your device)
- Grant microphone permissions the same way as camera (see above)
- Test your microphone in another app (like voice memos) to confirm it works
- Try using headphones with a built-in microphone
Connection Issues
If the video is choppy or keeps freezing:
- Check your internet speed at fast.com (need at least 5 Mbps)
- Move closer to your Wi-Fi router
- Close other apps/tabs using internet (Netflix, YouTube, downloads)
- Switch from cellular to Wi-Fi if you're on a phone
- Try again in a few minutes - sometimes internet traffic is just temporarily high
Browser Compatibility
If the call link isn't working at all:
- Make sure you're using an updated browser (Chrome 90+, Safari 14+, Edge 90+, Firefox 88+)
- Try switching to Google Chrome (our most tested and reliable browser)
- Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again
- Disable browser extensions that might block video (ad blockers, privacy tools)
Getting Support
If you've tried everything and still have issues, we're here to help!
Safety & Privacy
Our Commitments
Your family's safety and privacy are our top priorities:
- No Recording: We do NOT record video or audio from calls. Ever. The magic is just for you and your child.
- Secure Connection: All calls use encrypted connections to protect your privacy
- AI-Powered: Santa is brought to life by advanced AI technology - there are no strangers or actors involved
- Minimal Data: We only collect what's necessary (email, payment info, child's name/preferences for personalization)
Your Responsibilities
To keep the experience safe and magical:
- Supervise children during the call, especially those under 8 years old
- Don't share your call link with others (it's unique to your purchase)
- Teach appropriate behavior - treat Santa with kindness and respect
- Report issues - if anything seems wrong or inappropriate, contact us immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
When should we do the call?
Your call link works anytime! Many families choose:
- Early December: To build excitement leading up to Christmas
- Christmas Eve: For a final magical moment before the big day
- After bedtime routine: When kids are calm and cozy (but not too tired!)
Can we use the link more than once?
Each call link is for one-time use with the duration you purchased (5 or 10 minutes). Once the session ends or time runs out, the link expires. Want multiple calls? You can purchase additional sessions!
Can multiple children join the same call?
Absolutely! If you have multiple children, they can take turns talking to Santa during the same call. Just make sure to include all their names and interests in the personalization form when you book.
Does Santa speak other languages?
Currently, Santa speaks English only. We're working on bringing the magic to more languages in the future!
What if my child gets scared or wants to end the call?
It's totally okay! Some children might feel overwhelmed - that's normal. You can:
- Sit with them and help them feel comfortable
- End the call anytime by closing the browser tab
- Try again later if they change their mind (within your session time)
Remember: Every child is different. Some will chat Santa's ear off, others might just want to wave and listen. Both are perfectly magical experiences!
What if I have technical problems and can't complete the call?
If you experience technical issues that prevent you from using your call within the 24-hour refund window, please contact us at a@sstude.com. We'll work with you to resolve the issue or provide a refund.
Final Tips for Success
- Test your setup a few minutes before the call (camera, mic, internet)
- Have the room well-lit so Santa can see your child clearly
- Minimize background noise for better audio quality
- Keep devices charged or plugged in during the call
- Relax and have fun! The magic happens when you let go and enjoy the moment