santa

You don't have to be a billionaire -- nor a jolly, white-bearded figure out of folklore -- to make the holiday season remarkably sweeter for a stranger. Or a lot of strangers. Over the past few years, ordinary people across the country have been taking up the calling of Larry Stewart, the original Secret Santa.

When it comes to how they treat their customers, some companies follow Santa-like policies. Others are more like the Grinch. But which is which? Consumer Reports offers the skinny on how a number of high-profile businesses behave with its Naughty & Nice Holiday List. Here's a rundown:

Before allowing children to email their Christmas wish lists to Santa Claus, parents better watch out how the website collects and uses personal information. The Council of Better Business Bureaus' Children's Advertising Review Unit said more than 60 domain names are registered in the name of...

Christmas comes every year, but even that doesn't guarantee job security, even for Santa and his helpers. This year, company holiday parties may be minus a Santa, while smaller gatherings and malls are still jolly. Like millions of businesses around the country, Carl Immediato's Santa rental...

You have heard how fast Santa Claus has to travel to visit the homes of all good boys and girls of this world. Well, today, you may follow him around on Google Maps. Northern American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and Google are partnering to provide you real time information on Santa's...

Some of the best reads for investors from around the Web, including the best- and worst-performing industries of the decade, and interview with Warren Buffett, and top stock picks for 2010.

As politicians argue over government spending, there is one line item that is likely to stay in the budget for the foreseeable future: the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD's) yearly Santa Watch. For the last 54 years, the military command -- tasked with protecting the US and Canada...

It's a promise from Santa Claus, so it has to be good: The global swine flu pandemic won't stop him from delivering presents this year. "I swear that Christmas will not be canceled this year," Father Christmas told Finnish national broadcaster YLE, explaining that many children were worried he...

With the passing of July 4th, we are over halfway to Christmas, which means retailers are gearing up for the merriest of seasons by rolling out Christmas in July specials. While some stores will try to woo you with 10 %off and flashy animations, Toys R Us is slashing prices soo much, you'd think...

At least the recession isn't forcing Santa Claus to move. He's only getting a new landlord. The nation of Finland is selling its stake in Santapark, home to Father Christmas, after being hit hard in the global recession and facing a sharp economic contraction this year, according to a Reuters...