Pssst: December’s upon us.
That means egg nog, well designed gift wrap, and a full social calendar. (It also means long lines at the post office, but I’m trying not to think about that part…)
I have a handful of Christmas traditions I like to observe, and I bet you do too. One of my traditions is “no Christmas music played in the house until December 1st” (anyone with me on this?). Another is “egg nog and brandy is best shared with a minimum of three friends”. These yearly rituals serve as reminders that the holiday season should be filled with festivities and shared with the people I love.
One recently added tradition over the last few years has been my participation in the USPS’s Letters to Santa program. Some of you may remember my “first year of participation” write up; with each passing year, I’ve stepped up my game by taking on a few more letters. It’s a great way to help out the USPS, and at the same time create something truly special that will (hopefully) brighten a child’s Christmas experience.
When I posted my original write up about creating the “santa letters”, I received a cavalcade of questions from RLD readers about how to get involved — how could YOU connect with post offices and write letters of your own? This year, the USPS has made it easy for the public to get involved – and I’m going to help steer you in the right direction!
Some important things you’ll need to know before you take part:
–you must present proper forms of identification at your chosen post office, as well as fill out the necessary forms. More information can be found here and here.
–once you have been “ok’d” by a postal employee, you will be able to access binders which contain letters awaiting “adoption”. Individuals are allowed up to 10 letters.
–once you have crafted your reply letter and/or purchased the requested gift, you must return your letter/gift back to the post office where you “adopted” your letter. The PO will handle things from there!
Be sure to take a look at this .pdf document; it’s a full list of post offices nationwide that are participating in the Letters to Santa program. Carefully check dates and hours; the usual post office hours (usually) don’t apply. And last but not least: if you decide to participate, let us know! I’d love to see your letters and hear about your experiences.
Ready or not: HO! HO! HO!
–JH
PS: here’s a little yuletide cheer for RLD readers: participate in the 2013 Letters to Santa program and receive a gift from Jennie! Create a fantastic letter, snap a photo and email the .jpeg to redletterdayzine@gmail.com. Be sure to include your mailing address (so I can send you your goodie!); please title your email “USPS Santa letter” (so it won’t get lost in my inbox!) Please understand: I can only send you a goodie if you include your photo and follow the instructions. Deadline to send photos: midnight (west coast time), December 20th, 2013.
I would love to see what you did as well as though who participate. I have done as much donating as I can this year though D’s work and their help with foster children in the area but I always love to see what others do to help.
Miss Rose —
I’ll absolutely post photos once I’ve wrapped up (no pun intended!) my letter writing campaign! 🙂
–JH
I had to go back and read your original Santa letter writing post and came upon the little red velvet outfit comments. How come I never got to see those sitting on Santa’s lap pictures? Please share them next time we see each other! How many letters are you doing this year?
Mum —
I’m taking on 10 different letters this year! Each reply will be fairly similar with differences here-and-there. As far a the outfit is concerned: I’ll have to unearth those snaps — they were from waaaaay back when! 😉
–JH
Thanks so much for the lovely story on the Letters To Santa program, now in its 101st year. We have had almost 1,000 letters come through the system just in San Francisco, so thanks also for encouraging your readers to get involved because the need for Santa’s Elves is big this year.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Jim Wigdel
Such wonderful Christmas traditions, and I love this program for letters to Santa…sounds right up your alley!
Andria —
I think it’s pretty amazing that the “Letters to Santa” program has been around for 101 years, and I hope it continues for another 100! This program is a great way to get letter writing and arts communities involved in sending a bit of holiday cheer to those who need it. And you’re right: it’s a wonderful tradition!
–JH
So bummed that Portland doesn’t have a participating post office!! I would love to do this.
Sarah —
I’m surprised that Portland doesn’t have anything on offer… 😦
–JH
Yeah, nothing in Kansas City, either. Nice post, though!