How Letters to Santa Became a Christmas Tradition
Long before children sealed envelopes addressed to the North Pole, the tradition of Santa letters began as a tool for parents to encourage good behavior. In the 19th century, these letters were often written by parents to their children, posing as Santa Claus, to instill moral lessons and promote discipline. As postal services expanded and literacy rates increased, children began writing their own letters to Santa, expressing their wishes and hopes for Christmas.
Initially, letters addressed to Santa Claus were considered undeliverable and ended up in the Dead Letter Office. However, in 1912, Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorized local postmasters to allow postal employees and citizens to respond to these letters, marking the official beginning of what would become known as Operation Santa.
The program gained popularity, and by the 1940s, the volume of mail increased significantly. The Postal Service invited charitable organizations and corporations to participate in responding to the letters, providing written responses and small gifts to children.
Today, the USPS Operation Santa program continues to thrive, with thousands of letters sent to Santa each year. The program has embraced digital technology, allowing individuals to adopt letters online and fulfill children's holiday wishes.
The tradition of writing letters to Santa has evolved over the years, reflecting changes in society and technology. Yet, the core sentiment remains the same: a heartfelt connection between children and the magic of the holiday season.
