How to Write a Letter to Santa With Your Kids

Writing a letter to Santa is a Christmas tradition kids remember for years. It's also a sneaky way to practice writing and get a peek at what's on their wish list. Here's how to make it easy and special, whatever your child's age.

What to put in a letter to Santa

• A greeting: "Dear Santa," with their name and age.
• Something about their year: a favorite memory, something new they learned or something they're proud of.
• How they've been good: helping at home, being kind to a sibling or trying hard at school.
• A question for Santa: kids love asking about the reindeer, the elves or what Mrs. Claus is baking.
• Their wish list: a few things they're hoping for, and maybe one wish for someone else.
• A sign-off: "Love," plus their name, and a drawing if they want.

Ideas for every age

Toddlers and preschoolers: let them draw a picture and tell you what to write. Fill-in-the-blank letters with pictures to circle work great at this age.

Kindergarten to 2nd grade: use sentence starters like "This year I learned..." and "I hope you bring...". Help with spelling, but let them write it themselves.

Older kids: encourage a real letter with a few full paragraphs. Ask them to include something they want to give to others this year, not just what they want to get.

Make it special

• Use festive stationery or decorate the edges with stickers and glitter.
• Make a cup of cocoa and turn it into a cozy family evening.
• Take a photo of the letter or save a copy. It becomes a keepsake you'll love looking back on.
• Read a Christmas story together first to get everyone in the spirit, like Georgie the Red Panda Celebrates Christmas.

Fun ways to deliver it

• Mail it to the North Pole with a stamp.
• Leave it out with the cookies on Christmas Eve.
• Hand it to Santa at a holiday event or photo visit.
• "Send" it up the chimney, or tuck it into the tree for the elves to pick up.

Write back from Santa

A reply from Santa is the magic moment. Mention something specific from your child's letter, praise something they did this year and add a hint about the reindeer or the workshop.

Try it free first: the free Christmas sampler includes a Letter to Santa for little ones. See all Christmas printables.