Last year, out of the blue, my son, G (then 3) asked to write a letter to Santa Claus. Sure, I said. (But how? I thought. I hadn’t even looked into “Santa letter services” at all….and how would we make it, well, real?)
I did check around online for places that write, type, postmark letters from Santa and the “North Pole.” Even at $6 a piece, I found that to be a little bit steep price-wise….especially for a form letter with his toy wishes placed in strategic places in the paragraphs. I wanted it to be more special than that! But how….while keeping it inexpensive at the same time?
That’s where grandparents come in! My mom was the best at responding to notes I’d leave for Santa, the Easter Bunny, even the Tooth Fairy. Her handwriting was so cleverly disguised — even when I was too old to believe, it still kept me guessing! My dad, an artist, would love an opportunity to get involved, too….embellish the letter coming back here, perhaps? My parents gladly obliged, and so G and I got to work on his letter to St. Nick.
A week or two later, the reply came. G’s eyes were wide as I showed him Claus’s response and read the words to him. The next time I saw Mom and Dad, they slyly handed over to me the original letter G wrote, so I could tuck it away as a sentimental keepsake. I had the original letter back in hand, my parents were able take part in the “magic,” and it only cost me the price of a postage stamp.
This week, the kids penned their letters to Santa for the year. They chatted merrily as they scribbled, adhered stickers, and signed their names. They were sealed up and sent off….now comes the waiting!



I fully realize that this tradition will have to be amended a bit once G learns to read and insists on watching me address it to S.Claus at the NORTH POLE….as well as inspects the envelope upon return. But for now, the simplicity (and specialness) of this plan makes me smile.
Head over to Rocks In My Dryer for more great WFMW ideas today!