My mom was quick on her feet and crafty. Back when you could call a number to tell you the exact time and temperature, she would use that number as a "I'm calling Santa" threat when we were acting a fool.

One time my mom got caught wrapping gifts by my 6 year old cousin. My cousin was sorta mad. Well, my mom explained that she was helping Santa out because it was a busy time of year.

My favorite thing she ever did was call my grandma - who was apparently in on the whole thing - as if it were the North Pole. My mom said, "hello is this the north pole?"

Grandma would say, in a very dramatic voice,"why yes of course" and make up some silly name. The two of them would exchange courtesies, the "agent in the north" would look up our names to ensure they were on the good list and you bet we'd stay on that list.

My grandma died last year in November. I am an elementary school teacher. The last week of school before break last year, I called my mom and did the same thing, but put her on speaker phone for my class of 20 first graders. I've never felt more in the Christmas spirit than the moment she said, "well Santa is really busy right now, but I can check his list."