xmaspresentsSo, the kids are out of school and they’re looking for something to do. Here are a few free Christmas diversions to keep them entertained.

Free holiday phone call. Schedule your kids to receive a personalized phone call from Santa, Sammy the Snowman, or … a NASCAR driver? Sign up here.

Free Christmas newspaper. Assure your kids that Santa is in fact on his way with this free printable “North Pole News,” which you can customize with the recipient’s name and photo.

Free Christmas coloring pages. Woman’s Day has a collection of coloring pages for almost every holiday here.

Santa tracker. Gather the kids ’round the computer on Christmas Eve to track the progress of Santa’s sleigh here.

Personalized Christmas video. Visit www.portablenorthpole.tv to watch a video, personalized for your child, direct from Santa! This is awesome and my 3-year-old was spellbound by it.

Lone Star Christmas. Go to the Gaylord Texan and walk around their “Lone Star Christmas” display in the lobby – it’s very intricate, and best of all, free. If you’re so inclined, you can plunk down some cash to see Ice!, the hotel’s annual exhibit of huge and intricate ice sculptures, but it’s not required. More info on Lone Star Christmas is here.

Free train rides. Every year, a man in Richardson turns his backyard into a holiday wonderland, with lights, Christmas decorations, and a train to ride on. He accepts visitors from 6 to 10 p.m. each night. Visit www.holidayexpressridingtrain.com for details.

Free Christmas light gazing. Visit www.tackylighttour.com to find heavily-decorated homes in or near your zip code.

Saleel Limaye
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