Its almost time to write those Santa Letters! So lets get organised.
One of Our Favourite Traditions
There’s something about writing a letter to Santa that brings the magic of Christmas to life—no matter how old you are.
We’ve made this a tradition in our house, and honestly, it’s one of my favourites. The kids sit down at the table with crayons and paper, their heads full of dreams, and they take it all very seriously. There’s something so sweet and wholesome about watching their little hands carefully write (or draw!) out their hopes for the season.
And whether the letter is full of LEGO wishes or just says “Dear Santa, I like cookies,” it’s a moment that becomes part of our family’s story.
Why Traditions Matter (Especially at Christmas)
Traditions create a rhythm to the year—and for kids especially, they build a sense of belonging, comfort, and joy.
Experts say traditions help form family identity, strengthen relationships, and create lasting memories. And that’s exactly what the little things do: writing letters to Santa, baking together, decorating the tree, even watching the same movie every year.
When we do them over and over again, year after year, they become the things our children remember long after the gifts have been opened.
The Santa Letter Tradition Around the World
Writing to Santa might seem like a modern tradition, but it actually has a long and magical history! Here’s a quick peek at how children around the world share their Christmas wishes:
USA & Canada – Kids can send letters to “Santa Claus, North Pole,” and in many areas, Canada Post and the USPS run special volunteer programs where Santa actually writes back!
Australia – This year, children can hand-deliver their letters to Santa at any Australia Post outlet between 15 November and 24 December. They can even collect Santa’s reply — and a small gift — on the spot! No stamp or return address needed.
France – Children write to “Père Noël,” and he always replies — it’s the law! The French postal service guarantees every child a response.
Japan – While Santa is well-loved, many families focus on New Year’s cards instead, sending beautifully decorated, handwritten greetings to friends and relatives.
Finland – Home to the “real” Santa in Lapland! Thousands of letters arrive each year at Santa Claus Village from children all around the world.
No matter where you are, it’s heartwarming to see how this simple act of writing to Santa brings joy to families everywhere — each adding their own special twist.
And if you’d like to make the tradition even more personal, you can still have your child write their letter to Santa — but instead of mailing it to the North Pole, send it to a grandparent or loved one. They can reply as “Santa,” sharing the same warmth and wisdom that only someone who truly knows your child could offer. It’s a wonderful way to keep the magic alive while creating a cherished family keepsake.
Santa Letter Template + Wish List for the Fridge
To make your own tradition easier this year, I’ve created a Letter to Santa template (here) that’s perfect for little writers (or artists!) + a Christmas Wish List (here) printable you can stick on the fridge.
It’s great for:
- Helping kids think about what they really want
- Making gift planning easier for family
- Creating sweet keepsakes to look back on in years to come
Download them here [Letter to Santa and Christmas Wish List]
Don’t Forget the Christmas Cards!
Now is also the perfect time to start writing your Christmas cards—especially if you’re including the kids.
Last year, I completely forgot how big of a deal it is at school. You know the moment: it's the last week of term, your child suddenly announces, "Mum! I need 27 Christmas cards… by tomorrow!"
Lesson learned.
Tips for Kids’ Christmas Cards:
- Start early – Little ones take time, especially if they’re just learning to write
- Keep it simple – A sweet message, a few stickers, and a name is more than enough
- Add a little treat – Candy canes, lollipops, or even a homemade ornament (see below!)
Simple DIY Christmas Ornament Printable
I’ve added a quick and easy ornament craft you can print out, colour, and cut with your kids. Pop one in each Christmas card for their classmates or teachers—it’s a lovely little handmade gift that won’t take hours to make.
✨ Download here 👉 [Here]
👻 A Little Halloween Mention
Here in Australia, Halloween isn’t as big as in other parts of the world—but it’s definitely creeping in more each year.
Personally, we don’t go trick-or-treating and our area isn’t really set up for it either. But I also don’t want the kids to feel like they’re missing out.
So, we started a new tradition: Spooky Dinner + Movie Night!
Here’s what we do:
- Monster Quesadillas
- Spider Oreo treats
- “Fingers” (aka chicken tenders)
- A spooky dessert or Halloween biscuits
- Then we cuddle up and watch a not-too-scary movie
Kid-friendly Halloween movies we love:
- Mickey and Friends: Trick or Treats
- Room on the Broom
- Hotel Transylvania
- Spookley the Square Pumpkin
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (for older kids)
It’s fun, it’s safe, and the kids look forward to it every year.
✍️ This Week’s To-Do List:
- Download and print your Santa Letter Template
- Pop the Christmas Wish List on the fridge
- Start planning your Christmas cards with the kids
- Download the Ornament Printable for an easy class gift
- Try a Halloween movie night if trick-or-treating isn’t your thing!
Whatever your traditions look like—whether you’re writing to Santa or making spooky quesadillas—know that these little rituals matter.
They’re building memories. They’re creating joy. And they’re yours.
Its the downhill run to Christmas, we can do it!
see you next week!
Kathryn