Kids’ letters to Santa Claus are one of the most magical parts of the season. They help Old Saint Nick decide just what to deliver, and they give his helper elves on the streets the insight they need to make Christmas wishes come true.
The tradition of writing letters to Santa dates back to the 1800s. Originally, it was Santa who wrote letters to the kids, particularly those on the naughty list who needed a little nudge to make their way to the nice list. Then in 1871, artist Thomas Nast drew an image of Santa sorting through mail that was sent to him, and the practice grew from there. Today it’s an integral part of Christmas for most kids, and also one that parents cherish.
While there’s no right or wrong way to write to Santa, kids can use a bit of direction with the process. Here are some pro tips straight from Santa’s mouth.
1. Use It As A Teaching Lesson:
Writing a letter to Santa is a perfect way to practice letter-writing skills. Which is why their letter to Santa is a great time to show kids how to write the five parts of a letter—heading, greeting, body, complimentary close, and signature. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to encourage them to use proper punctuation and spelling.
While you want to keep the process fun, remember that Santa, of course, loves grammar as much as the rest of us.
2. Make It Personal:
Instead of just diving into all the toys they want, suggest that kids tell Santa a little about themselves first. They can remind the big guy where they live, how old they are, and what they like to do.
Also, explain how they can use the powers of persuasive writing to reflect a bit on why they deserve to be on his nice list and what they intend to do to stay on it until Christmas arrives.
Parent tip: sometimes the insights they give Santa may be those they haven’t shared with anyone else, which makes the letter a chance for parents to gain some insights about their kids … as well as what they really think about the holiday and themselves.
3. Points For Politeness:
To avoid sounding self-centered, they can also include some questions for Santa, inquiring as to how things are up in the North Pole.
Don’t forget about Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, and the gang, and, you know, how Santa himself is doing. Of course, make sure they use the magic word as well: Please!
4. Generate Gratitude:
Just as important as please is thank you.
Kids can express gratitude for what they got last year and thank Santa in advance for anything he chooses to give them this year. Including an ask for a friend or family member is also a sweet gesture that teaches the Christmas spirit.
5. Narrow Things Down:
While the list in their heads may be miles long, help them prioritize what they really want to see under the tree most.
While a few pie-in-the-sky wishes may be OK to include (e.g., a new baby brother when you know that’s never going to happen!), steer them toward things Santa can actually make in his workshop. It’s a fitting way to talk about priorities too. The magic has to end sometime, right?
6. Cultivate Creativity:
Encourage children to add drawings, stickers, and anything else they want to spruce up their letter. You can also suggest they spice up their language and show them how they can find some fun, new words using the Thesaurus.
For Santa himself, some snazzy synonyms include Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, and Saint Nick.
7. How To Actually Send Santa Letters:
So, what to do with these cute-as-can-be correspondences once they’re written?
Have the kids address an envelope to “Santa Claus, North Pole.”
Then, it’s time for you to join in! Write a response to your child (either on a separate piece of paper or on the back of their letter) and sign it “From Santa.” Prepare an envelope addressed to your child (return address: Santa Claus, North Pole). Put all of the pieces in one larger envelope, attach proper postage, and mail it to the following address:
NORTH POLE POSTMARK
POSTMASTER
4141 POSTMARK DR
ANCHORAGE AK 99530-9998
This will ensure the letter will arrive back home with an authentic North Pole postmark! If kids slip one into the mail without your help, they still may receive a response through the US Postal Service’s Operation Santa program.
Or, because it’s 2019, kids can send Santa an email, and the elves of The Elf on a Shelf will respond.
Happy Holidays from everyone at Dialect Zone International and most of all Happy writing!
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Dialect Zone International