December 17th Christmas Countdown: Letters to Santa
What Kids Love Writing to Santa About
Tower City, Cleveland. Christmas 2022
Ah, writing letters to Santa. Is there anything more magical than watching kids pour their hearts out to the guy in the big red suit? December 17 is prime time for those letters to be written and "sent off" to the North Pole (or at least handed to you for “delivery”). Whether you’re a parent, aunt, uncle, or a cool older sibling, this little holiday tradition gives a sweet peek into what’s on their minds. Let’s be real, it’s not just about toys.
So, let’s dive into the adorable, funny, and sometimes surprisingly deep things kids love writing to Santa about and how you can make this experience even more special for them.
The Wishlist, of Course
Let’s not kid ourselves, Santa’s top job in December is delivering presents. Kids are very clear about this in their letters. You’ll see the classics: Barbie, LEGO, video games, or that one toy that’s suddenly sold out everywhere (thanks, internet trends). But the way they ask for these gifts is pure gold.
Some kids are hilariously specific:
“I want the green dinosaur toy with the button that roars, not the blue one, because it’s lame.”
“Please bring me a PlayStation and also the batteries, because Dad always forgets.”
Others are heartbreakingly considerate:
“If you can’t bring me the dollhouse, that’s okay, but maybe my sister can get a new teddy bear?”
“I don’t need anything fancy, just something small. My friend Emma might need more because her mom said money is tight.”
💡 Suggestion: After they finish writing, ask them to add a P.S. asking Santa what he wants for Christmas! It gets kids thinking beyond their own wish list, and it’s so cute to read their guesses (“Do you like cookies as much as Rudolph?”).
Questions for Santa
Kids are curious and Santa is an enigma. You’ll find all sorts of random, delightful questions pop up in their letters:
“How do you fit in the chimney? We don’t even have one, so do you use the front door??”
“Do you brush Rudolph’s teeth? How do you keep him so shiny?”
“Is the North Pole cold all the time? Can I come visit in the summer?”
They also love asking about Santa’s life beyond Christmas:
“What’s your favorite cookie flavor? I want to leave the right ones!”
“Do you ever go on vacation? If so, where do you go?”
Suggestion: Encourage kids to draw a little picture with their letter, like what they think the North Pole looks like or a portrait of Santa. It makes the letter feel even more personal, and those little drawings are keepers for years to come!
Heartfelt Stuff That’ll Make You Tear Up
Kids have a knack for sneaking in some serious heartwarming moments, and letters to Santa are no exception. Some will ask for intangible things:
“Please make my baby brother stop crying so much.”
“Can you help my dog feel better? She’s really old.”
“I hope all the kids who don’t have toys get something this year.”
Others will straight-up use the letter to thank Santa:
“Thank you for bringing me presents last year, even though I was kinda naughty sometimes.”
“You work so hard, Santa. I hope you and Mrs. Claus get to relax after Christmas.”
Suggestion: Use this opportunity to talk to kids about giving back. Maybe they can “help” Santa by donating a toy for kids in need or baking cookies for neighbors. It keeps the spirit of Christmas alive in the sweetest way.
How to Make Letter Writing Extra Fun
If you’re planning a letter-writing session, go all out!
Set the scene: Put on some holiday music, break out the hot cocoa, and sprinkle a little fake snow (or glitter, if you’re feeling brave).
Get creative: Use colorful stationery, stickers, and crayons. You can even “seal” the letter with a festive stamp or sticker to make it feel official.
Send it off magically: Whether you “mail” it in a special mailbox or leave it on the mantle for Santa’s elves to pick up, make the delivery part exciting too!
The Best Part: Reading the Letters (If You Can Sneak a Peek)
These letters are pure gems. They’re funny, sweet, and sometimes completely unexpected. (One kid I know asked Santa for “a real dragon but don’t tell Mom!”) If you’re lucky enough to read them, you’ll get a little window into their hearts—and a reminder of why this season is so special.
So, grab a pen and paper (or let the kids type if they’re too cool for crayons now) and get those letters started! What’s the most hilarious or heartwarming thing your kids have ever asked Santa for? Share in the comments. I’d love to hear!
Happy writing and Merry Christmas!
Old US Mail Letter Box. Marriott Hotel. Peoria IL. 2019
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