In the old days we never used to use technology in Santa’s Workshop, let alone fill stockings with them. Come to think of it, until 1950 or so kids didn’t even ask for electronics. Now the lists are full of stuff; gadgets and gizmos and things that beep for the little kids, phones and music players for the older ones, and Santa’s naughty and nice list has been digitized. I know, kind of ruins the patina, doesn’t it?
I never thought that I would join the age of technology, but I have to admit that the LeapPad Explorer might even tempt a grumpy elf like me to get a handle on technology. Can you imagine? It’s the very latest thing from Santa’s workshop and has so many bells and whistles that it could easily be mistaken for the real thing.
It’s quite simple really, the LeapPad Explorer is the kid’s version of an adult’s tablet computer, and it’s even shaped like one! But Santa – being Santa – made sure that this nifty computer-like toy is also educational enough to satisfy even an educationally minded parent. Over 100 educational books and games, videos, even applications! Not only will the child who receives the LeapPad Explorer learn how to use a computer (for the Explorer mimics a computer in how it works) but they will also learn educational facts and information that make it a guilt-free gift.
From math, science and reading applications to music and trivia, the LeapPad Explorer is packed with all sorts of information that will enrich a child’s life. Heaven knows that it might be able to enrich mine! I’d probably feel easier about using the Explorer than I would a regular tablet computer. It’s designed for small hands after all. It’s got a rather chunky shape and large buttons so it is easy to handle.
But more than that, I wouldn’t feel as if I were breaking a promise. You see I’ve sworn an oath to never learn how to work a computer and have boycotted Santa’s attempts at digitizing our workloads and schedules. I have the junior elves read my schedules off so I can write them down and I absolutely refuse to do any of the paperwork that we’re supposed to fill out online.
The technology bug has bit us big time here. I can’t count the number of SmartPhones that are clipped to my fellow elves belts and the continual sound of electronic chirping as someone gets a message. Mrs. Clause has even put all of her recipes on a little laptop that she keeps in the kitchen. It’s got smudges of cinnamon all over its casing and she is continually having to use special wipes to get the whipped cream off the screen. I’ve absolutely refused to get into it though. I won’t even use a walkie talkie and they’ve been begging me to do that since 1960.
Yes, I’m beginning to think that I might actually be able to join the 21st century, and I really think that the LeapPad Explorer will help me to do this.
