You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why . . . because at this time of the year, there’s just too much to do to waste any time crying and pouting.  There’s shopping to be done, holiday cookies to be baked, cards to be exchanged, and loved ones to be visited, all in the short space of 26 shopping days left (as of publication of this article) until Christmas.  What to do?

Well, in your attempt to play Santa again this year, the Internet can be the most helpful elf that you’ve got in your workshop.  This month, we’re going to look at all of the ways that you can use your online connection to make the season bright for kids from one to ninety-two.

First of all, the shopping.  Most stores have Web sites where you can order anything and everything they have in stock and have it shipped to almost any location you need.  In many cases, the Web site address matches the name of the store; if there’s any doubt, you can check your favorite search engine by typing in the name of the store.  And be sure to check out these shopping partners of HunTel.net®—we personally recommend their services.

With all shopping sites, you’ll want to check to make sure the site is secure before you provide any confidential information such as credit card numbers, bank account information, etc.  In most browser software, you’ll see a padlock icon somewhere within the program window/frame to let you know when the site is secure.  This icon will most likely show up when you click the site’s link to check out.  When a site is secure, any information you provide will be encrypted and sent across the Internet in a digital form that hackers are unable to decode—so your shopping experience will be safe.

Now once the shopping is done, it’s time to bake.  The little elves in your area (again, ranging from one to ninety-two) are always sure to enjoy baked holiday treats, and you’ll of course want to leave some for the biggest elf of all on Christmas Eve (assuming that you make the “nice” list this year and he will be visiting you).  Back by popular demand from our 2005 article, this site contains every holiday recipe you could ever want for baking those special treats.

That brings us to the cards and presents to be sent out.  All of the major parcel/mail services have Web sites that let you order postage, schedule pickups, and ship your gifts to any location you need.  From the U.S. Postal Service to UPS to FedEx to DHL, every carrier who can ship your packages has an online site that allows you to breeze through the details.

Once all those details are done, it’s time to set out to spend Christmas with your loved ones.  Over the river and through the woods . . . and through the unexpected blizzard, the icy roads, and the bad flying weather you hadn’t counted on.  What’s to make of that?

Fortunately, the Internet will also help you to check conditions before you leave so you can make sure you’ll arrive safely at your destination.  If you’re driving in Nebraska, this site maintains a comprehensive list of all conditions pertaining to major roads in the state—including weather conditions, road construction, and/or anything else that could affect your drive.  For neighboring states to Nebraska, you can get information at the following links for Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

If your travels are by air, most major airlines have Web sites that allow you to check the status of a flight.  You can also get the information you need to contact the airline and do any additional checking on flight status.  American, Delta, Midwest, Northwest, Southwest, and United all maintain Web sites where you can check for more information.

Once that’s all done, it’s time to kick back and relax and enjoy the season—and the Internet can help here too.  The North Pole maintains its official Web site to keep up on all things Santa.  Or if you enjoy all sorts of holiday traditions and have ever wondered where they came from, this site can provide the answers.  And on Christmas Eve, when it’s time to track the jolly old elf making his annual rounds, the North American Aerospace Defense Command lends a hand.  Be sure to visit NORAD’s special web site devoted to Santa.

If you’re making a list and checking it twice, but it’s a to-do list and it’s causing you to be more naughty than nice, you can use the Internet to check off items and reduce your stress just in time to experience the joy of the season.

Speaking of that, it’s time to get personal.  All of us at HunTel.net® wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year.  We thank you very much for your trust and your business in 2006, and we hope to continue to earn both in 2007.  If you should ever have any questions about or need any assistance with your Internet service, our trained technicians are always happy to assist you.  You can contact us by phone at 402-533-5777 (Washington County and Omaha) or 1-888-491-9115 (toll free throughout our service area); by E-mail at techsupport@huntel.net; or through our live support chat service at http://www.huntel.net.  Normal support hours are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Central time, 7 days a week.

Thank you for using HunTel.net® and have a Merry Christmas!