Santa's Naughty or Nice List: How It Works (Free Certificate)

"He's making a list, he's checking it twice." The line from Santa Claus Is Coming to Town has turned into one of the most loved parts of Christmas: the idea that Santa keeps track of who has been naughty and who has been nice.

Where the list comes from

The song, written in 1934, made the list famous, but the idea is older: stories of a gift-giver who rewards good children go back centuries. Today the list is mostly a December ritual. Kids ask "am I on the Nice List?", parents answer "Santa's still checking", and on Christmas Eve the answer is always yes.

How parents use it

• As encouragement, not a threat. "Santa loves it when you share" works better than "Santa is watching."
• As a countdown. Some families "check the list" every Sunday in December.
• As a reveal. The best moment is when Santa confirms it himself.

Make a free Nice List certificate

Our Nice List checker takes ten seconds. Type your child's first name, pick why they made the list (helping at home, being kind to a sibling, working hard at school), and Santa "checks it twice". You get a certificate with their name to download, print or share. It runs in your browser, so the name never leaves your device.

Let Santa tell them himself

A certificate is lovely. Hearing Santa say it is better.

In our videos, Santa walks into your own living room on Christmas Eve, sets a present under the tree, notices the camera and says:

"Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas, Saoirse! You worked so hard at school this year. You're on my Nice List!"

You upload one photo of your room and type the name; if the spelling is tricky, add how to say it. You see a free preview first. Make the video.

Good deeds Santa can mention

Picking one specific reason makes the verdict feel earned:

• Being kind to a little brother or sister
• Helping Mom and Dad
• Working hard at school
• Sharing toys
• Being a good friend
• Being brave at the doctor
• Reading lots of books
• Being a great big sister or big brother