Santa is being very good to online retailers in the 2006 holiday shopping season, according to eMarketer Daily.

• The all-time record for daily US online retail sales was set on November 27 - "Cyber Monday," with online sales of $608 million - 26% more than the corresponding day in 2005.
• The record was broken again the following Monday, December 4 with online sales of $647 million - again a 26% increase over the corresponding day in 2005 --- and $39 million more than the total spent on Cyber Monday!
• eMarketer projects total US retail online sales at $24.3 billion this holiday season (November and December) --- a 22.1% increase over 2005.

Confident shoppers and high-speed Internet connections are making the Web a part of everyday life.

Even if you don't have an online store, your Web site is a profoundly necessary business tool. Don’t forget that many people use the Internet for research before purchasing goods or services. You can use your site to communicate with clients, build customer loyalty and showcase your products, to name just a few things.

An online presence is critical. Get online, get noticed, and stay competitive! Something to think about for 2007.

That's me on Santa's lap. It brings back fond memories of my Mom taking me to Halle Brothers Department Store in downtown Cleveland, Ohio to see Santa and Mr. Jingeling.

You all know Santa, but you may not know Mr. Jingeling. He is a magical part of Cleveland’s annual holiday traditions.

As the legend goes, Mr. Jingeling was Santa’s helper, the “Keeper of the Keys” to Toyland. He appeared daily on Cleveland television throughout the Christmas season to tell tales about Santa’s workshop.

Mr. Jingeling held court in the Halle building on the seventh floor - the Toy Department, of course. It was very exciting to see Mr. Jingeling. He would give you a special Christmas key (see it in the picture?!) and you could proudly wear it around your neck. Ok, so it was only a piece of cardboard cut out in a key shape and hung on a piece of red yarn. Who cares, I was four years old and in the presence of greatness!

It is truly amazing how many Clevelander’s and ex- Clevelanders, young and old, can sing the Mr. Jingeling theme song, by heart and with a smile. I can!

Mr. Jing-a-ling How you ting-a-ling Keeper of the keys! On Halle's seventh floor We'll be looking for You to turn the key!

Alas, not every child likes to sit on Santa's lap.

A couple of years ago, the Chicago Tribune asked readers to send in their "Scared of Santa" photos. It resulted in this very funny Web site, with photos still being added to this day. My favorite is picture #12 - poor Santa is crying too!

Annette Riley Web Design combines an art background and many years experience working in small business settings. My clients are small to medium size businesses, which I have watched grow and change over the years. Other clients, locally and around the country, have hired me to do updates and periodic maintenance on their web sites, even though I am not the original designer.

I enjoy helping other business owners grow their businesses. I measure my success by their successes.

You are good at your business. I am good at Web sites. Let’s put our talents together! Call or e- mail me so we can talk about your business and how I may be able to help you.