By Michael Schindler

I absolutely love Christmas – I love the reason for the season, I love the joy that seems to descend upon the masses and how frowns seem to turn upside down into smiles, and I especially love the anticipation kids across the country have when it comes to the packages under the tree.

When it comes to military families, sometimes the best presents are the returning mom or dad. No amount of ribbons and bows can replace the joy a returning loved one brings to the season.

Every Christmas I feature one or two sites that will undoubtedly bring a smile to your child’s face, whether you are deployed or not – and with no exception, here in one worth checking out – PNP, or Portable North Pole. For the 5th anniversary of the Portable North Pole comes the PNP console. Experience the magic in offering a free personalized video message from Santa Claus to your loved ones.

In addition, they are offering letters, certificates, phone calls and a few other clever gifts from Santa all at a reasonable price. They offer three levels of videos, the first being FREE.

You can personalize the videos with pictures, a few general details about your child and even select whether your child is going to get a “nice” message from Santa or one that encourages your child to get off the “naughty” list.

With all the tinsel, flash and joy of the season, take a moment to brighten your child’s day with a fun greeting from Santa. This will be a personal video from Santa they will certainly remember.

Michael Schindler, Navy veteran, and president of Edmonds-based Operation Military Family, is a guest writer for several national publications, author of the book “Operation Military Family” and “The Military Wire” blog. He is also a popular keynote and workshop speaker who reaches thousands of service members and their families every year through workshops and seminars that include  “How to Battle-Ready Your Relationship” or “What Your Mother-in-Law Didn’t Tell You.”  He received the 2010 Outstanding Patriotic Service Award from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.