I Sent My Christmas List To Santa & So Should You.

Do you still believe in Santa?

I’m going to guess you answered no. Valid though.

If you’re reading this I think it’s safe to assume that you’ve outgrown the adolescent belief of Santa, but that doesn’t mean the spirit of the holidays has to go too. If anything, I believe the holidays are a great time to assess ourselves and where we fit into our local community. It’s also a great time for exchange. To give, receive, and find thanks in all that we have, especially in the current times we are living in.

For me, that means being honest with where am and where I want to go. Currently, I am young artist with big dreams, making the most of what I have. I am so extremely grateful, but I recognize that I still have a lot of room for improvement.

I’m no longer a little girl hoping for Santa to leave me new toys under the Christmas tree, but I do recognize that I haven’t quite transitioned into the self-sufficient adult that I aspire to be. I need tools to expand the “brand” to work towards establishing more stability in my life. The right gift could really improve my creative practice & I’m open to any possibilities that can contribute.

So when I found out that there are people “playing anonymous Santa” via the USPS Operation Santa program, I put my pride aside and got my list together.

The USPS Operation Santa program is one that has been operating for over 110 years inviting people of all ages to write letters to “Santa,” and others to adopt the letters, fulfilling those wishes. What started in 1912, Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock created Santa’s first mailroom—authorizing local postmasters to open up these letters for employees to read and respond. The program opened to the public in the 1940’s and digitized in 2017, making it possible for anyone to be a part of the program.

With a mission to answer to the thousands of letter sent to Santa in the North Pole every year, this program services a diverse range of people, from small children to emerging artists, like me. I am always preaching community, and keeping print alive & this program satisfies both of those needs.

The full process is as simple as 1, 2, 3 and will cost you virtually nothing to do.

Here’s how I went about it:

1) Get A Card

First you need to establish your canvas. In this case that means the card itself. There are a few different ways you can go about this step. You can purchase a card like I did, I got mine from Dollar Tree. (you’d be surprised at how much they’ve stepped their game up when it comes to their card selection) You could also make your card from scratch. If I had a lighter work load, more time and a little more disposable income, I definitely would have made mine from scratch using a nice card stock, stickers, washi tape, piper cleaners etc. to really dress it up. Lastly, if you printer and a spare envelope at home you can print one of USPS’ templates.

2) Write To Santa

Once you’ve got you’re card, now it’s time to write! Here are few things to keep in mind:

• Write legibly

• Include your full name and address in the letter

• List the gifts you want in order of preferences

• Be specific about the gifts you’re asking for

• Don’t ask for gifts that might be too expensive

• No 3D Art

For my own card I removed the paper that came inside so that I could use all the room for writing. All the items I included were under $100 and could be used to strengthen my creative practice. If you are writing from the emerging artist perspective consider tools, softwares etc. that you have been wanting/needing, that could help you create more and ultimately grow. When you are early in your career it can be hard to do exactly what you want to do when you are missing small pieces to a larger puzzle. Use this time to consider the things that can fill those gaps.

3) Send it Off

Once you card is all good to go, it’s time to send off. To ensure it get’s to right place:

1) Write Santa’s mailing address on the envelope in the middle

Santa
123 Elf Road
North Pole, 88888

2) Write your own address in the upper left corner

Include your full name and return address along with your apartment number

3) Attach a First-Class™ stamp in the upper right corner

I used a forever stamp from a previous trip to the post office, but if you purchase on-site, you shouldn’t pay anymore than about a $1

And there you have it! See, very simple process.

There is no guarantee that your letter will even make it to the site to be adopted, but this still serves as a great exercise in belief. If you truly believe that you can receive, then you’ll have no problem shooting your shot. No matter what the outcome is.

The deadline to mail in letters is December 9, 2024 so be sure to get yours in soon.

Additionally once you’ve sent your own letter you can also read and adopt someone else letter as well. USPS has all the letters available for view by state under the Read Letters tab on their site.

This extra step is vital, if you have the means to give back. Think about the children, families, and other artistic individuals who could use the holiday spirit. It sounds cliché, but it is true. We need each other & there is a lot of power in the exchange of objects, vain and materialism aside.

The last day to adopt a letter, and the recommended date to ship your gift by for expected delivery before December 25 is December 16, 2024.

Let’s do our part in keeping the Christmas spirit alive by not only participating but continuing to share this program, because there is such a diverse pool of people that can benefit, from both ends.

Thank you for taking the time to read & I hope that your holiday season is off to a good start!

talk again soon. :)