How to Write a Letter to Santa With Your Kids

Writing a letter to Santa is a magical tradition that also helps kids practise writing and think about others.

A simple letter template

1. Greeting: "Dear Santa,"
2. Introduce yourself: name, age and where you live.
3. Something about your year: a highlight or something you're proud of.
4. Kind things you've done.
5. A short wish list — two or three items.
6. Ask Santa a question, like how the reindeer are.
7. Sign off: "Love from..."

For younger children

• Let them draw pictures of what they'd like.
• Cut out pictures from catalogues and glue them on.
• Write the words for them and let them sign their name.

Make it special

• Use festive paper, stickers and glitter.
• Add a drawing for Santa and the elves.

Sending the letter

Some postal services run official Santa letter schemes with replies — check your national postal service's website for dates and addresses. Or "send" it by leaving it by the fireplace or tree.

Keep a copy of each year's letter in a memory box. They become treasures as kids grow up.