Turn letter-writing to Santa into a family night event. Best of all, the activity can teach your kids how to write a good letter in general. / Getty Images
Santa somehow finds time to read all the letters from the boys and girls. / Getty Images
If you think things get chaotic for us in the Ozarks this time of year, you should see the North Pole! The elves are working overtime making toys for good little boys and girls, Mrs. Claus is tending to the team of reindeer and preparing Santa’s sleigh, and the big man is making a list, checking it twice and overseeing the whole operation. Somehow, amidst the hustle and bustle, Santa is reading letters he gets from boys and girls around the world.
Help your child’s note to Santa be extra special when you turn Santa letter-writing into a family night. (Plus, it’s good practice for letter-writing of any kind.)
First, set the mood. Turn on some Christmas music, nibble holiday cookies and set out letter-writing supplies: special paper; pens, pencils or crayons; and a few embellishments for decorating the letter and envelope.
Talk about the “musts” to include in a letter: a friendly greeting to Santa, asking how things are going at the North Pole, telling Santa something exciting that happened this year. Your kids can politely let Santa know how good they have been and what they hope to get for Christmas. Have them wish Santa a safe trip on Christmas Eve and sign their names.
Let your child decorate the letter with crayons or stickers. With your child’s help, address the envelope to Santa Claus at the North Pole. Be sure to include a return address and mail before Christmas. The post office at Chestnut Expressway and Campbell Avenue has a mailbox for Santa letters. Or take it to Macy’s.
One group helps Santa write replies to kids. Send name, age and address, plus $2, to the Gamma Gamma Master chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, attention Letters from Santa, 1008 W. Minor St., Aurora, MO 65605. Proceeds benefit community projects. Deadline is Dec. 11. Information: 417-678-4699