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After 112 years, 'Operation Santa' still accepting letters

By Austin Williams
Published  November 15, 2024 2:40pm MST
Holidays
FOX TV Digital Team

What is Silent Santa?

Silent Santa is an event for people who have sensory processing challenges but still wish to visit the guy in the big red coat during the holidays.

The Brief

    • Operation Santa, a USPS initiative, allows children to send letters to Santa, with adopters fulfilling their holiday wishes.
    • Letters must be postmarked by Dec. 9, and adopters have until Dec. 16 to send gifts.
    • The program began in 1912 and has since evolved to include digital adoptions and a Toys 'R' Us partnership.

LOS ANGELES - For over a century, the U.S. Postal Service’s Operation Santa has brought joy to children and families in need during the holiday season. Established in 1912 by Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock, the program began with postal employees responding to letters addressed to Santa. 

Over the years, it expanded to involve the general public, charitable organizations, and corporations.

Now in its 112th year, Operation Santa has evolved into a digital initiative where participants can "adopt" letters online to make holiday wishes come true.

How Operation Santa works

Writing to Santa
Children and families can send their holiday wishes to Santa by writing a letter addressed to:
Santa
123 Elf Road
North Pole, 88888

To ensure their letter is considered, it must be postmarked by Dec. 9. Writers are encouraged to:

  • Clearly include their name and address.
  • List their gifts in order of preference.
  • Be specific about the items they request.

A letter to Santa Claus is read at the start of the "Operation Santa Claus" program 02 December 2005 at the General Post Office in New York. (STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images)

Adopting a letter

Starting Nov. 18, letters will be available on the Operation Santa website for potential adopters to read and select.

  1. Create an account on the platform.
  2. Browse the letters and choose one to adopt.
  3. Purchase the requested gifts and send them to Santa’s Gift Shoppe by Dec. 16 to ensure delivery by Christmas.

Tips for writing to Santa

  • Be realistic: Avoid asking for items that may be too expensive.
  • Use templates: USPS offers pre-designed templates to make letters stand out.
  • Write legibly: Santa’s helpers need to read the letter with ease.

A digital age of giving

In 2017, Operation Santa embraced technology by digitizing its letter adoption process. This shift made it easier for participants nationwide to spread holiday cheer. Despite going digital, the program continues to honor its roots, connecting generous individuals with children and families who need a little extra magic during the holidays.

The source
Information for this article was gathered from the U.S. Postal Service, official Operation Santa materials, and related announcements.