Operation Santa Delivers Joy Across the United States Through the USPS

The United States Postal Service Operation Santa program was initiated in 1912 when Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorized local postmasters to respond to children's letters addressed to Santa Claus.

This kind act marked the beginning of a program that would become one of the most popular holiday initiatives in US history. [1]

By the 1940s, the influx of letters to Santa had grown significantly. Recognizing this, the program was opened to the public, allowing charitable organizations, corporations, and individuals across the nation to participate in responding to these letters.

To increase participation and make the process more accessible, the USPS digitized the Operation Santa experience. In 2017, the online adoption program began in New York, allowing more people to adopt letters and fulfill holiday wishes remotely.

How Can Children Participate in Operation Santa This Year?

To have your child participate in the USPS Operation Santa program, they can write a letter to Santa Claus. Some families have a parent write the letter to ensure the request is understood.

It is open to residents in the continental United States and Hawaii, along with the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, it is not open to servicemen and women currently deployed overseas.

Here's a simple guide on how to do it.

Write the Letter

Encourage your child to write a letter to Santa. They can express their holiday wishes, tell Santa a bit about themselves, and write about anything they're hoping for during the holiday season!

Although most of the letters are in English, some come to Santa in Spanish or other languages. Some filters are available online for those looking to adopt a family.

Use the Program Address

The letter to Santa should be addressed to his special address. Here is what you’ll want to write on the envelope when using the postal service to contact the Claus family.

Santa Claus

123 Elf Road

North Pole, 88888

Include a Return Address

It's important to put a return address on the letter before sending it out with a postal worker. This information ensures that a potential response or gift from an Operation Santa participant is sent to the correct address.

Use a Stamp

Although some Christmas programs allow the letters to Santa to go into the mail for free, that is not the case with the USPS approach. You’ll need to place a First-Class Mail stamp on the envelope before dropping it in your mailbox or taking it to the local post office.

If you want a response or a gift to arrive before Christmas with this program, the final day to send a letter to Santa is December 11. Those who volunteer to take on a response will need to have their correspondence delivered to their local office by December 18. [2]

Are Responses Guaranteed with Operation Santa?

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees of letter adoption when working with the USPS Operation Santa program. That includes getting something in the mail or a gift. It all depends on how many volunteers are available and if your specific correspondence gets selected.

Even though there are no guarantees, this program is still a wonderful way for children to experience the joy and anticipation of the holiday season. It encourages the spirit of giving and kindness!

Your letter could be saved for others to see or adopt. The USPS keeps some online to help everyone experience the magic of the holidays, including for those looking to adopt. You’ll need to create an account to begin that process, even if you participated in the program the year before.

Each person can adopt no more than 15 letters.

Does Operation Santa Have Age Restrictions?

The USPS Operation Santa program does not explicitly specify age restrictions for children who wish to write letters. It is generally intended for children, and it allows them to express their holiday wishes.

Anyone is invited, no matter their religious preference or domination.

By not having an explicit age range, the goal is to be as inclusive as possible for young participants. For parents and guardians, it's a good idea to manage expectations and emphasize the joy of writing to Santa and participating in the holiday spirit, rather than focusing solely on receiving a response or a gift.

The magic of Christmas and the holiday season helps to bring us all together. Whether you want to have your child participate in Operation Santa, become a volunteer, or both, you can find more information about the program at https://www.uspsoperationsanta.com.