How to Create a Santa Alert for your Kids.

We all know that Santa visits every year, and on Christmas morning the empty plate of cookies and a note from the big guy himself makes it all the more special. Now, your Alarm.com security system can add an extra touch of magic with a custom smartphone alert confirming that Santa's visited. It's easy to set up. Here's what to do. 1: Designate a Chimney Sensor On Christmas Eve, log into Alarm.com and go to the Security tab. Click the Sensors tab underneath, then pick a contact sensor to use. This example uses the back door.

Rename the sensor "Chimney Sensor". Don't have a chimney? "Santa Sensor" will do.

2: Set up a notification Go to the Notifications tab and click New Notification.

Under the Standard tab, you'll find a Sensor Activity option. Click on it.

Check the Chimney box, then add yourself as a recipient and save the notification.

3: Santa's here… Before you go to bed on Christmas Eve, open the back door. The contact sensor will trigger a timestamped smartphone alert, reporting that the chimney sensor was activated. Now go to bed quickly, before the real Santa comes. 4: Amaze the kids! When your children wake you at 5.30 on Christmas morning, show them the alert and watch their faces light up. Merry Christmas!