Hallmark offers magical ways to count down the days to Christmas

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Some families tear a ring off a paper chain every day. Others open the "windows" on an Advent calendar. But now there are more ways than ever to count down the days until Christmas.

Children can have daily conversations with the North Pole, receive magical letters from Santa and Mrs. Claus, dial up the North Pole on a special phone, or talk with Santa as they read his story. All are part of an enchanting new collection of family-oriented products available in Hallmark Gold Crown stores now.

"Our new products for families with young kids are all about helping to build anticipation for Christmas — emphasizing the magic of the season — while also making great family memories and creating family traditions," says Jen Seyller, Hallmark Gold Crown product director.

The products include:

North Pole Communicator: Styled like a vintage radio microphone, kids can easily dial in the North Pole once each day, Dec. 1-25, and talk with one of 12 characters who live and work there — including Santa Claus himself. The characters engage children in entertaining two-way conversations that bring the magic of Santa and the North Pole to life. An internal clock triggers a new conversation every day.

North Pole Magic Mail: With this kit, kids can write letters to Santa, send him their wish lists and even say thank you after the big day. Put any of the letters in the magic portal (the freezer!), then pull them out a couple minutes later to see a surprise response. Kit comes with one envelope, two wish lists, two thank-you notes and six additional letters to other friends at the North Pole.

Santa and the Christmas Eve Flight Be a Part of the Story® interactive storybook: When you read the story aloud to a child, Santa chimes in with special questions or choices for the child to make. The child's answers trigger appropriate responses from Santa and help him on his Christmas Eve trip around the world.

Santa's Hotline Hallmark Keepsake Ornament: Kids (and even kids-at-heart) love knowing what's on Santa's busy agenda. Turn the dial every day, Dec. 1-25, on this vintage-style dial telephone to hear updates from the North Pole.

Countdown to Christmas Hallmark Keepsake Ornament: Adults can set the clock on this fun ornament that features a fireplace with Santa's legs dangling from the chimney. The ornament counts down the days, hours, minutes, and even the seconds until Christmas.

Santa Signal Hallmark Keepsake Ornament: Press the button on the Santa Signal all season long to hear from Santa. On Christmas Eve night, press the "Santa, Stop Here" button to activate the Santa Signal light and guide Santa to your house.

Santa's Magic Key: Kids always wonder how Santa gets into homes without chimneys. With Santa's magic key, the story of Santa can live anywhere, with or without a chimney.

Holiday magic can be found at Hallmark Gold Crown® stores nationwide. Use the store locator on Hallmark.com to find the nearest Hallmark Gold Crown store.

About Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Hallmark makes the world a more caring place by helping people express what's in their hearts and spend time together – a privilege few other companies in the world enjoy. Hallmark greeting cards and other products are found in more than 39,000 retail outlets in the United States, including the network of flagship Hallmark Gold Crown® stores. The brand also reaches people online at Hallmark.com and on television through Hallmark Hall of Fame original movies and cable's top-rated Hallmark Channel. Worldwide, Hallmark offers products in more than 30 languages available in 100 countries. This privately held company is based in Kansas City, Mo., and is led by the third generation of the founding Hall family. Visit http://corporate.hallmark.com for more details.

Video with caption: "Kids will have fun counting down to Christmas with their own direct line to the North Pole. With Hallmark's North Pole Communicator, kids can have daily back-and-forth conversations with a cast of characters, including Santa himself. Available exclusively at Hallmark Gold Crown stores." Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvrLNikmxb8

SOURCE Hallmark Cards, Inc.