Here’s how you can participate in the USPS Operation Santa letter submission & adoption program.

The USPS is running its Operation Santa program once again this year, and letters are now being accepted!

Note that letters must be postmarked by December 6th to be eligible for adoption and fulfillment. 

Other key dates to remember:

• November 3: Pre-registration and ID verification begin for adopters
• November 17: Letters are now available for adoption; be sure to register first.
• December 6: Last day to place wish list letters in the mail.
• December 13: Last day to adopt letters and ship packages. Adoptions close at 8 pm ET.

What is Operation Santa?

Every year, the USPS receives tons of hopeful letters to Santa. Instead of tossing these heartfelt letters, the USPS decided to respond, and the initiative became known as Operation Santa.

USPS collects letters and holiday wish lists from families all over the country. Once the letters are accepted and the writers’ personal information removed, they’re put “up for adoption” for folks from all around the US.

Those who adopt can choose up to 15 letters, purchase those wish list items, and get them to the families with a little help from the USPS. It’s a safe way to spread holiday cheer and help other families have the best holiday possible. ♥

Looking to submit a wish list?

Through December 6th, you can write your letter to Santa, enclose it in an envelope with a First-Class Mail stamp, fill in your complete return address, including apartment number and directional information (if necessary, ex., E Main St, Apt 103), and Zip Code, and mail it to Santa’s official workshop address:

Santa Claus
123 Elf Road
North Pole, 88888

For a family, group all your family’s letters in one envelope and include additional stamps depending on the weight.

If you’d like some inspiration and tips, the USPS has a helpful guide for writing the perfect letter to Santa!

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