How to write a letter to Santa
A letter to Santa is one of the most magical moments of the year for a child. They think back over what they did this year, put their wish into words and believe that someone will read it very carefully. And for parents it is a lovely chance to find out what their child is thinking about and dreaming of. Below is how to write the letter together, step by step.
When to write it
Early December is the best time: there is still time before the holidays, and your child can think it over without rushing. Choose a quiet evening and get out some coloured pencils and a clean sheet of paper. Or write the letter right here on our site.
What to write about
- Start with a greeting. The simplest opening: “Dear Santa,”
- Let your child introduce themselves: their name, how old they are and where they live. Santa should know who is writing to him.
- Let them tell him what went well this year. Learned to read, helped a younger brother or sister, learned to swim? Ask what your child is proudest of this year. This part gives them confidence.
- The wish. One or two wishes are enough. If your child writes about a big dream, that is fine: a letter is for dreams, not for a shopping list. Some children make a wish not for themselves but for their family, and that is very touching.
- A question for Santa. “Aren’t you cold?”, “How are your helpers?” Children love asking questions, and Santa loves answering them.
- A drawing. A Christmas tree, a snowman, Santa’s train: anything at all. For a little one who can’t write yet, the drawing is the letter.
- The signature. A name and the date, and the letter is ready.
If your child can’t write yet
For children aged 3 to 5 the rule is simple: your child talks and you write it down. Don’t correct their words: it is the child’s own way of putting things that makes a letter so touching. Then let your child decorate the page however they like.
An example letter
Dear Santa,
My name is Leyla, I am 6 and I live in Baku. This year I learned to read, and I read books to my little brother. I have lots of friends at nursery.
For the holidays I would really love you to bring me an art set. And I would like Grandma never to be ill.
Aren’t your helpers cold? Please say hello to them from me!
Leyla
Where to send the letter
Santa has his own post office in his village: the letters arrive there on a magic train, his helpers sort them, and each one ends up on his desk. If you wrote the letter at home, take a photo of it and send it to Santa through our site. Or write the letter right here, together with your child: coloured pencils, stickers and letters that look like a child’s handwriting.
Let Santa read the letter
If you like, Santa will read this letter in a video: he opens your child’s letter at his desk, calls your child by name and answers their wish. First you watch a short sample and hear for yourself how Santa says the name.
Keep the letter
Children grow up, but letters stay. If you put each year’s letter in the same folder, in a few years you will see how your child’s handwriting, dreams and drawings have changed.