The holidays bring beautifully decorated store windows, Christmas music on the radio, and lights strung on every house in the neighborhood. It seems everywhere you look the holiday theme is playing out, and not surprisingly, the Internet is no exception!
Christmastime is my favorite time to take advantage of all of the free games and interactives available online to get me in the spirit! I can make my own cards, "elf" myself, and even make a gingerbread house without even entering the kitchen! Gone are the days of writing Santa a letter and hoping it reaches the North Pole. Now kids can access the jolly fellow in just a few clicks!
Take a gander at the many fun and free interactive Christmas sites available on the web right now! These sites are tested and safe, perfect for the whole family to enjoy together for hours of holiday entertainment!
Norad
Norad dubs itself the “official tracking site of Santa Claus!” Beginning December 1, kids can sign on and keep tabs on where Santa is headed next. At Norad, kids can also help light Santa's way by the use of the mouse, and take a virtual sleigh ride, explore the night sky, read stories, and play hand bells!
Portable North Pole
At Portable North Pole, kids can get a peek into the personal life of Santa and get answers to some frequently asked questions (“How does he fly around the world in one night?”) Parents can even create a free video where Santa speaks to their child and listens to their holiday wishes! Send Santa a quick note, or ask one of the many questions you have about him! It is like a direct line to the North Pole!
Santa Claus Animation Station
The Santa Claus Animation Station is where you can take a virtual tour of the elves’ factory, read Santa's blog, visit the reindeer, and even see what Santa's vacation plans are this year! He is a busy guy, and this site lets you keep tabs on the old man as well as play hundreds of interactive games.
Merry Christmas Games
If you love traditional games such as Majhong, Tic Tac Toe, or even puzzles, you will love Merry Christmas. These traditional games are given a holiday spin at this site, with bright graphics and games that are fun and exciting. The site is easy to navigate, so why not get in the holiday spirit with a game of Frosty's Challenge?
All Things Christmas
This site is the perfect place to send your holiday ecards and even decorate virtual cookies to send your friends! It is fun and free to use the colorful graphics and designs to create the perfect holiday card. Save on postage this year and even send a virtual cookie! The site is easy to navigate and also includes other fun holiday interactives such as games and music.
The Christmas Song Book
Looking for the words or sheet music to your favorite holiday songs? This site has the words and music to hundreds of holiday classics. There are also MP3s of the tracks.
JibJab Holiday
Want to make yourself look like a jolly elf dancing through the snow? Me too! At Jib Jab you can not only do that but turn it into a virtual greeting card and send it to your friends! These are truly hysterical and entertaining and you will want to try it again and again! The site is easy to use and navigate, and most importantly, it is free!
Home Games Build Your Own Gingerbread House
Build your own gingerbread house without ever having to preheat the oven! At Homes Games you can design your own tasty virtual house and even print off a copy of it to keep! The site is easy to navigate and playing is free. The best part? No dishes to clean when you are finished!
Why not curl up with a hot cup of cocoa and settle in with the laptop? You will be able to entertain yourself for hours with these fun and free games and interactives! They are sure to put you in the spirit, and since they are all free to use, they will still leave you plenty of cash for your holiday shopping! So go "elf" yourself, make a virtual gingerbread house, decorate a virtual cookie, or send a fun holiday greeting to your friends. Many of the sites are only up and running during the holiday season, so you will want to take advantage of them now!
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