Thinking about writing to Santa? It’s time to pick up those pens and sharpen those pencils, with sacks of letters already arriving at the North Pole from excited kids. To help ensure everyone gets the present they want under the Christmas tree this year, Australia Post is calling on kids to post their letters to Santa before 1 December.
Speaking exclusively with Australia Post, Santa stressed how important it is to know what’s on top of every child’s wish list before the elves get busy loading the sleigh for Christmas Eve.
“It’s time to grab a piece of paper, ask your parents for a Christmas stamp and get your letters to a Post Box! My friends at Australia Post delivered more than 170,000 letters to me last year, and I want to respond to everyone before we leave the North Pole at Christmas time.”
Santa
Handy tips are available on the Santa Mail page of Australia Post’s website (www.auspost.com.au/santamail) to help parents and children create and send the many letters on their journey to the North Pole. These include:
- Brainstorm – download a helpful letter template from the Santa Mail page that children can fill out, including handy prompts for parents.
- Write or draw– children can put pencil to paper to write their letter, draw a picture or send a photo outlining their Christmas wish list.
- Check twice – don’t forget to clearly write your name and return address on the back of the envelope, so Santa knows where to send a reply to your letter.
- Send – we’re a long way from the North Pole! Send your letters by 1 December.
Santa encourages children of any age to send a letter. They should be addressed to Santa, North Pole, 9999 and they should have a 65c Christmas-card only stamp affixed to the front of the envelope, and a name and return address on the back so Santa knows where to send a reply.
Parents and children who have low vision can receive a large text reply from Santa by sending their letters to Santa Mail (large text), North Pole, 9999. All Santa Mail letters can be placed in any red Street Posting Box or dropped off at your local Post Office.
“Santa Mail is one of those Australian traditions that families look forward to each year, adding a little touch of magic to every household. We want to ensure that Santa has enough time to reply to every child, so we encourage everyone to write and post their letters as soon as possible.”
Catriona Noble, Australia Post Executive General Manager Retail.
Australia Post is also launching its annual Christmas stamp collection for 2023, with five enchanting designs that add an Aussie flare to the Christmas story, including the Southern Cross constellation and native flower motifs.
The collection features two traditional designs with beautifully illustrated images of the Three Wise Men and Mary and Baby Jesus by Dani Poor. There are also three secular stamps available, designed by Jo Muré, that feature a Christmas tree, Christmas decorations and the Santa Mail stamp.
Christmas card Stamps are 65c each for domestic posting* and $3 for international posting**. The new collection will also include a first-day cover, stamp pack, minisheet, maxicards as well as booklet of 20 x 65c packs. They are on sale now at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online while stocks last. For more information visit auspost.com.au/stamps or australiapostcollectables.com.au.
To give Christmas parcels the best chance of arriving on time, parcels should be sent by Monday 18 December for most destinations within Australia, or if sending via Express Post by Thursday 21 December. People sending to or from Western Australia and Northern Territory should allow a few extra days.
Will you be writing to Santa this year?
* Envelope to be endorsed with ‘Card only’ and must be no larger than 130mm x 240mm, no thicker than 5mm and no heavier than 250g. **Envelope to be endorsed with ‘Card only’ and must be no larger than 260mm x 360mm, thicker than 5mm and no heavier than 50g.
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