RATHDRUM — The Connolley children had big questions for Santa when he called them Dec. 17.

“Can you FaceTime?” 7-year-old Jude asked, just about as soon as the children heard that iconic "ho ho ho" over the phone.

Since 2015, Rathdrum Parks and Recreation has been firing up a special hotline to connect families to the big man himself through phone calls.

The hotline is an opportunity for a little extra Christmas magic, especially for families who can't visit Santa in person during his appearances in town.

This year Jude, his twin sister, Hazel, and Scarlett, 11, got the call as they sat in front of their family Christmas tree, donning pajamas featuring their dog, Millie, in a Santa hat.

The children made their Christmas requests during the call: Scarlett asked for an electric scooter and slime, Hazel wanted aerial silks and Jude hoped to find a go-kart under the tree on Christmas morning.

“I don’t know if it’ll fit in my sleigh, but with a little bit of Christmas magic I think it could fit,” Santa laughed.

The Connolley children also confirmed that they did, in fact, make it on the Nice List.

“I’m super proud of you guys for doing good in school,” Santa told the kids. “We will definitely be stopping by your house."

Now, the countdown is on until Christmas morning.

“I’m always the one who’s most excited,” Scarlett said.