How To Write A Letter to Santa Claus - Top Tips

Have you got as far as "Dear Santa" and are now stuck for words ?

If the task has fallen to you to show your children how to write their first letter to Santa, you're in for a fun and inspiring time - kids imaginations are wonderful and when it comes to Christmas, they get so excited.

Children love to write letters to Santa Claus.  Usually parents lend a hand. 

How should a parent help a child write a letter to Santa Claus? 

Here are some tips that will make your child’s letter to Santa more than just a list of gifts he or she wants.

Dear Santa……… (or you can address it to Father Christmas, if you prefer), c/o Lapland, the North Pole

First of all, a letter to Santa should be a personal message from your child to Santa Claus, not to a parent or grandparent. 

The child’s own words should be used and his or her personality should shine through.  Very young children ages 2 to 5 can draw or cut out pictures to show gifts they want for the holidays. 

The parent can write down words just as the child says them.  Encourage your child to watch as you print and say the letters out loud.  Talk about the sounds the letters make.  Show the child how to leave a space between each word.

Kindergarten through Third Grades

For children in kindergarten through third grade, making a chart of words is a great idea. 

The child can think of words first, get help spelling them, illustrate them, and then write the letter by himself. 

5 and 6 year olds will need a bit of additional help.  It helps to have a chart showing the form of a letter to Santa, for example, showing where to put the date, the greeting, the body of the letter, and the closing. 

Your child should tell Santa the good things they have done during the year, as well as what they wish for as gifts.

Grades 3 through 5

Children in grades 3 through 5 probably don’t believe in Santa Claus, but can be encouraged to write a letter anyway, “for fun”. 

• Encourage your child to tell what good deeds he/she has done during the year and how he/she has helped others. 
• Have the child put in a “Good wishes to Rudolf and Santa's elves.” 
• The child can also tell “Santa” their goals and hopes for the coming year.  Parents can respond to these letters, giving advice and sending love to their children. 
• Keep the letters to Santa Claus for posterity.
• All children should send best wishes to everyone at the North Pole! 

The letters may be mailed to:  

Santa Claus, The Grotto, The North Pole, The Arctic, Earth, The Universe

What will the child learn by writing a letter to Santa Claus?

Children will learn to spell words, learn the form of a letter and how to address an envelope, and, perhaps, how to use a computer or will improve their handwriting.

They'll also have a whole lot of fun and the pre-Christmas excitement will be evident on their smiling faces.

Hope you enjoy writing your letters to Santa Claus this holiday season!