Santa starts phone service

In the early days, talking to Santa meant a trip to the mall but now Santa talks to children on the phone. Parents are now turning increasingly to commercial services that provide phone calls from a Santa who knows not only what is on the child's wish list but also the names of siblings, friends and teachers, favorite vacation spots and what was under the tree last year.

Owners of the services, mostly mom-and-pop Internet start-ups with names like Santa Calls Kids and Santa Speaking, report an exponential increase in business each season, with prices ranging from under $10 to a $39.95 package for up to three children that include a digital recording of the call.