How Can Kids Send Letters to Santa?

No one knows exactly when children started writing letters to Santa. In 1889, the artist Thomas Nast drew Santa Claus sitting at his desk reading a stack of letters. Today, children all over the world take pen, or crayon, in hand to write letters to the "jolly old elf." Parents can use the letter as an opportunity to work with the child on her writing and drawing skills and to get a glimpse into her mind and desires for Christmas.

  1. Writing the Letter

    • Show your child how to open the letter with a greeting. Help the child sound out the words ̶0;Dear Santa.̶1; Encourage her to write about more than just a list of hoped-for gifts. In the body of the letter, suggest that your child ask questions about what it̵7;s like to live in the North Pole, or give to children all over the world. Help the child sound out the words she doesn̵7;t know how to spell. Ask your child to do her best, but reassure her that Santa will understand.

    Realistic Expectations

    • Read the letter together. Discuss the list that your child has made. If the list is long, talk with her about the true meaning of Christmas. Share your spiritual belief in the holiday. Talk about what your child plans to give as much as what she hopes to receive. Praise her if she has included gifts for others in her letter.

    Addressing the Letter

    • Search the Internet for Santa letter services. There are a wide range of letter writing services that will send your child a return letter. Many work though the regular postal service, but some also work through email. If you don̵7;t expect an answer you can address the letter to ̶0;Santa Claus, The North Pole.̶1; These letters are put aside by the US Postal Service. Postal employees read the letters and separate out those that show the most need. These letters are then available through the USPS for ̶0;adoption̶1; by caring individuals who work to make the writer̵7;s Christmas dreams come true.

    Giving

    • Make sure that your child lives up to any promises he made in the letter such as leaving out a special snack for Santa or the reindeer. Praise him when he is kind or helpful. Remind him that his actions come out of his own goodness, not just the words he wrote to Santa. When your child is old enough, consider exploring the other side of the Santa letter by adopting the letter of a needy child from the USPS or from a local charity.

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