In 2013, even Santa Claus is adept with technologies like video-chatting. At least, that’s what you’ll be telling your children if you’re using the Hello Santa app.

It launched quietly in November promising “real, live video calls with Santa” on your iPhone, iPad or computer, using their built-in cameras. And yes, it’s a real Santa, not pre-recorded videos as seen in the (hugely popular) service Portable North Pole.

We’re intrigued. The app lets you call Santa now (if he’s free) or reserve a day and time. There’s no specific time limit on calls (“every call with Santa is unique”) although he’s available between 8am and 8pm Pacific Standard Time – that’s 4pm to 4am here in the UK – so you’ll need to arrange accordingly.

Before the call, you can provide details about your children – for example their favourite activity, and notes on anything you’d like Santa to mention (e.g. “needs to be nicer to his sister” in the App Store screenshot, which made us chuckle).

Here’s a demo video from the service:

The videos are recorded and then sent to you as links, while the app also helps you share them on Facebook or Twitter if you so desire. “Santa comes pre-screened and highly trained,” promises the App Store listing: in other words, no drunk, sweary and/or grumpy Santas should be expected.

Now, pricing. In the app, it says the regular cost of a call will be $29.99, which will be £17.99 in the UK. However, the app has been offering “early bird pricing” of $14.99 (£8.99) in its early weeks on the store, and today there’s a special ‘Cyber Monday’ price of $4.99 (£2.99) – so it’s flexible, to say the least.

Hello Santa - Video Chat with Santa is a free download for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store.