Check Northpole.com for Christmas spirit

The holiday season is upon us, and although northpole.com has been around for a long time, it's a great place for kids and adults to visit to get into the Christmas spirit. The home page of this free (registration is necessary for certain features), child-safe site opens on Santa's Secret Village, which includes everything from the Elf Clubhouse, where kids can play games, to Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, where you'll find recipes that have been rated and commented on.

Elf Pal Academy has downloadable games, puzzles, mazes, math riddles and an interactive coloring book that can be incorporated into lesson plans or a home-schooling agenda. This area was added after the site's creators discovered teachers were using it to develop computer, reading and writing skills.

More traditional Christmas activities include Santa's Mailroom, where kids can write a letter to Santa and receive a response, usually within three days; the Reindeer Barn, where kids can read a story about Raymond the reindeer or have it read to them; and Santa's Den, where children or adults can create a personalized, original story. The den also has recommendations for holiday videos, music and books. There is even a Q&A with the jolly old elf.

The Elf Blog offers holiday craft projects as well as gift suggestions (both bought and homemade), or you can visit the Toy Shop for links to buy unusual, popular and educational toys.

SITE northpole.com

DESCRIPTION Christmas-themed activities and information

TARGET AUDIENCE All members of the family

BOTTOM LINE A place to celebrate Christmas all year.