Published: November 22, 2008 06:04 pm      

Dear Santa… A time-honored tradition

There are two ways to get your wish list to Santa.

Stand in line at the mall with all the other kids and when you finally get to sit on Santa’s lap, you have exactly enough time to tell him what you want before the “elf” snaps your picture and your parents lead you away.

Or, you can take your time and write a letter to Santa about how well behaved you’ve been all year and add a list of the toys you’d like to find under the tree on Christmas morning. Your letter can be as long as the paper you’re writing it on.

When you’re finished, just put it in the mailbox.



Getting the letter to Santa

Santa Claus has a lot in common with the Postal Service. For more than two centuries, he’s relied almost exclusively on USPS to bring him letters from girls and boys.

This holiday season will be no different. The Postal Service is gearing up for a huge mail delivery to the North Pole to help Santa and his elves get ready for the big day.

You can just put your letter in the mailbox and your carrier will make sure Santa gets it or you can send it directly to: Santa Claus, 5400 Mail Trail, North Pole, AK 99709-9998.

Ask you parents to help you address the letter and put on a stamp. Like all mail, it's important that letters to Santa include a complete return address with the ZIP Code.



Helping Santa help those in need

While Santa receives most letters addressed to him at the North Pole, some are made available to organizations and individuals who want to help him. Many Santa letters are answered by his helpers — charitable organizations, postal employees and individual volunteers who want to help make children’s holiday wishes come true.

There are simple safeguards in place before a child or family’s information is shared. First an individual or organization fills out a form so that the Postal Service knows who is reading the letters. Information includes current address and phone number. After showing a photo identification, issued by the state or a federal agency, a customer can request up to 10 letters to review.

If a customer selects a letter or letters, the customer records all the information regarding each letter selected.

Organizations can request as many letters as are available, but similar paperwork and identification is required.

If you want to help, contact your local postmaster to find out where you can participate. They also can answer any questions you may have.

Writing letters to Santa is a tradition many children look forward to, adding a little more excitement to this magical season.