Writing Letters to Santa: A Beloved Holiday Tradition

Every Christmas, children, families, and schools worldwide participate in the heartwarming tradition of writing letters to Santa Claus. Children eagerly share their names, ages, and Christmas wish lists, hoping to receive the gift of their dreams and a reply from the North Pole.

The Origins of Letters to Santa

Interestingly, this tradition began differently. In the early 19th century, “letters from Santa” were written by parents as a tool to influence children’s behavior, using Santa as a symbol of guidance and moral instruction.

Thomas Nast’s Influence on Santa’s Image

The modern image of Santa Claus—jolly and dressed in red—was solidified in the 1800s by American cartoonist Thomas Nast. Through his illustrations in Harper’s Weekly, Nast established Santa’s familiar look and the iconic idea of letters addressed to "St. Claus, North Pole."

Letters to Santa: From “Undeliverable” to Heartwarming Replies

By the late 1800s, children’s letters were often returned as “undeliverable” by the post office. But by the early 20th century, letters began to be forwarded to charitable organizations, allowing children to receive heartfelt replies from “Santa,” which added a layer of holiday magic.

Continuing the Tradition in a Modern Way

Today, children can send letters to Santa via traditional mail or online. Many postal services have even created unique Santa postal codes to facilitate this cherished tradition. It’s a wonderful way for families to create lasting memories and introduce children to values of gratitude and generosity.

Start Your Family Tradition

This Christmas, begin or continue your family tradition by helping your child write their own letter to Santa. It’s a delightful way to connect with the spirit of the season and capture the wonder and excitement of Christmas.