Jolly old St. Nicholas, lean your ear this way… That may have been how it was done in the 20th Century, but all today’s children need do to tell their secret wishes to Santa is pick up the phone. Oi, the largest telecommunications company in Brazil, has established a “magic” pay phone in Rio de Janeiro where children can call and speak to St. Nick himself. When the children place a call, retired actors playing the part of Santa Claus engage in conversation from the other end of the line.

The actors are able to watch the children on a video monitor, which creates a genuine conversation as opposed to an automated script. Adding to the magical tone, small gifts “appear” on the step behind the children while they are on the phone, and it begins to “snow” as the building across from the pay phone lights up into a winter wonderland extravaganza, complete with a carol-singing children’s choir and passing elves.

For those Brazilian children who can’t make it to the pay phone, Oi provided a dedicated number to reach Santa during the holiday season.

Samantha Lile

Samantha Lile is a 2002 Missouri State University graduate of journalism and mass media. She has served as a reporter and editor for various newspapers throughout her journalism career. She made the leap into writing full-time after working for a major financial institution since 2000.

Because of her banking background, Samantha is knowledgeable in finance reporting, but is also strong in commentaries, personal profiles, youth studies, horticulture, history and entertainment-related works.

Samantha lives in Ozark, Mo. with her husband of nine years, four dogs and two cats.

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