(Atlanta) Why do more than 60,000 visitors a day click to www.northpole.com? The answer lies somewhere among the letters to Santa, recipes, children's stories, Elf Chat, karaoke, Christmas-only radio station, animated holiday postcards, puzzles, games, and North Pole weather reports.

All activities on this holiday Web site are free, and the quick turn-around for a reply letter from Santa makes it a popular choice for youngsters. (Kids, take note: Santa has to stop his reply letters on Dec. 25!)

In its sixth Christmas season, northpole.com features Santa's Secret Village--including Santa's Mailroom, Santa's Workshop, Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, Santa's Den, the Elf Clubhouse, and the Reindeer Barn. This year's additions include more animation, more recipes, and more animated Christmas cards.

During November and December of last year, northpole.com had more than 2.25 million visitors, more than 250,000 letters to Santa, and 350,000 animated postcards sent from the site.

What sets this site apart from other "Santa sites" is its unique combination of creativity, state-of-the-art technology, and a traditional view of Christmas. Also unique is the amount and quality of artwork: northpole.com has literally hundreds of original, hand-drawn illustrations.

Another unique feature--and one often cited in emails from grateful parents and grandparents--is the lack of commercialism. Producers of northpole.com have resisted selling advertising banners commonly found throughout the Internet, and are seeking to cover production costs through a small merchandising effort, selling children's Christmas cards, stickers, and a "Raymond the reindeer" stuffed toy.