It’s time once again for my favorite time of the year: Santa season! Last year, another TCEA employee coined me a “certified Santa enthusiast,” and BOY was she spot on… That’s why I’m thrilled to share that we’re gearing up for another magic-filled Virtual Chat with Santa this Dec. 9 at 2:00 p.m. Central! For longtime participants, this year will look the same as previous years, and you can access the livestream here when it’s time. But if you’re new to the wonder and whimsy of this annual TCEA tradition, you’ll want to keep reading for the lowdown on this holiday season classic.
What is TCEA’s Virtual Chat with Santa?
TCEA’s Virtual Chat with Santa is an annual event where Kris Kringle himself stops by the TCEA World Headquarters in Austin, Texas, to read a holiday story and answer real students’ most pressing holiday questions. This year, Santa will be reading The Mouse Before Christmas by Michael Garland, and answering a whole host of spirited questions like, “Do you ever shave your beard?” and “What does Mrs. Claus do on Christmas Eve?”
The best part? The questions come from real students in Texas and across the nation! Your students can submit questions year round for a possible shoutout in an upcoming Chat with Santa.
How do I watch the Virtual Chat with Santa?
Our Virtual Chats with Santa are always streamed and stored on our TCEA YouTube channel. This event is free to watch for all educators, students, parents, or fellow Santa stans, whether you’re a TCEA member or not (but if you’re not a member yet, you’re missing out on so many great benefits!).
If you’re already on our email list, you should have already received the direct link to join. But, not to worry if you missed it. We’ll be sending it out to our entire email list one more time on Monday, Dec. 8, to make it as easy as possible for you to find and share in all the holiday-season chaos.
Can’t attend live? No worries! The broadcast will live on our YouTube channel as a regular video after the livestream ends.
Mic Check… Mic Check… Is this thing on?
Given the sometimes-finicky nature of livestreaming (and Santa’s super tight schedule this time of year), the crew of The Stuff I Learned About Learning: A TCEA Podcast was able to sit down with the jolly man in red last week for a quick mic check. (I even got to take a peek at Santa’s super secret list!) Check out Santa’s guest appearance on the latest episode, available wherever you get your podcasts.
We’ll see you on Tuesday! And, even if you can’t join in, we wish you a very merry holiday season and safe travels wherever you may roam!