The holiday season is a magical time, especially when you have kids who are fully immersed in the excitement of Santa Claus, elves, and everything Christmas. This year, I found a creative way to keep that magic alive and even use it to encourage some good behavior: I had ChatGPT voice pretend to be Santa Claus and talk directly to my kids.

Here’s how it all went down.

The Setup

It started when my daughter, Stella, was going through one of those tough days that every parent is familiar with. She was upset, crying, and, according to her Elf on the Shelf, being a bit less than her best self. That’s when I got an idea: what if Santa himself could call in with a little pep talk?

I opened ChatGPT, switched on the voice feature, and asked it to pretend to be Santa Claus. I kept it simple:

“You’re going to be Santa Claus for Stella.”

The result was amazing. ChatGPT’s Santa voice was warm, jolly, and perfectly in character. It started with a cheerful, “Ho ho ho! Hello, Stella! It’s Santa here, ready to bring some holiday cheer! Have you been a good little one this year?” Stella’s face lit up, and just like that, she was fully engaged.

Turning Things Around

Later that day, when Stella was still struggling with her emotions, I decided Santa needed to step in again. I explained the situation to ChatGPT, saying, “Zanka, this is Daddy speaking. Stella is being mean and crying. She’s hidden and has been touching her elf on the shelf all day.”

Santa’s response was perfect. It wasn’t overly harsh but just firm enough to reinforce the importance of kindness and listening to parents. ChatGPT’s Santa gently reminded her:

“Oh my, Stella, Santa hears what Daddy is saying. Remember, the Elf on the Shelf is watching and reporting back to me! It’s important to be kind, listen to your parents, and turn things around. Let’s try to be good, so I can bring lots of joy and presents your way! Ho ho ho!”

That little nudge from Santa did the trick. Stella calmed down, and the rest of the day went much smoother.

Why This Works

I’m not sure if this is an official feature, I never changed the voice on Chat GPT it did it all; but, for Stella, hearing Santa’s voice added an extra layer of realism to the holiday magic. It also helped reinforce positive behaviors in a way that felt playful rather than punitive. Instead of me nagging her to behave, Santa’s encouragement turned it into a special moment.

Tips for Using ChatGPT as Santa

If you want to try this with your kids, here are a few tips to make it as seamless and magical as possible:

1. Set the Scene: Make sure the environment is quiet and distraction-free when Santa “calls.” This helps kids focus on the moment.
2. Keep It Light: Santa’s tone should always be positive and encouraging, even if addressing misbehavior. It’s about guiding, not scolding.
3. Customize the Message: ChatGPT’s ability to personalize responses is its greatest strength. Mention specific details, like the child’s name or something unique about their day, to make the interaction feel authentic.
4. Be Spontaneous: Use Santa’s voice not just for behavior reminders but for fun surprises. Imagine Santa congratulating them for decorating the tree or sharing excitement about Christmas Eve!

The Magic of Technology

Incorporating ChatGPT into holiday traditions has been a game-changer for my family. It’s not just a fun way to engage with my kids but also a creative tool for bringing a little extra magic to the season. Seeing Stella’s eyes light up when Santa “talks” to her is priceless, and it’s a memory I know we’ll all cherish.

If you’re looking for a modern twist on holiday magic, give it a try. Who knows? Santa might just save the day at your house, too.