Make writing a letter into a family tradition, learn how real holiday mail works, and follow the Christmas Eve journey together.
Start with gratitude, a favorite memory and a wish. Your little one can draw, dictate to a grown-up or write for themselves.
NORTH POLE POST · SPECIAL DELIVERY
One thing that made me smile this year was...
A kind thing I did, or saw someone do...
A Christmas wish I'm dreaming of...
And one wish I have for someone else...
With Christmas wishes, ___________________
No child's name, address or wishes need to be entered into MyWishbook. This printable is blank and stays with your family. Printing does not mail a letter.
Keep the make-believe part magical and the mailing information accurate. These options work differently.
Write a letter, decorate an envelope, and place it in a homemade cardboard mailbox. A grown-up can tuck the letter into the memory box and leave a thoughtful reply.
Best for: A private tradition without submitting personal information anywhere.
Not a postal service—nothing is sent online.USPS Operation Santa helps generous volunteers fulfill some families' holiday wishes. Letters are accepted for 2026, but being chosen is never guaranteed.
2026 deadline: Postmarked by Saturday, December 5. The physical envelope needs proper postage and complete sender information under USPS instructions.
USPS may publish letters with personal information redacted. A grown-up should review the official guidelines and decide whether to participate.
Official USPS instructions ↗2026 dates and FAQ ↗USPS also describes a separate North Pole postmark tradition. An adult writes a reply, prepares the correctly stamped envelopes, and mails them for processing in Anchorage.
Important: This is not the same as USPS Operation Santa. Review current instructions and mailing windows before using the postmark program.
USPS North Pole postmark steps ↗The real NORAD Tracks Santa program has followed Santa’s Christmas Eve journey since a misdialed phone call sparked a beloved tradition in 1955.
This is a link to the official NORAD website, not an embedded live tracker. The 2026 activity schedule may change; NORAD posts the current details.
Choose the moments your family enjoys. This checklist is just for this visit; it doesn't save names or private information.
No. This is printable stationery only. A grown-up can keep it or choose to mail it through a postal service.
No. Operation Santa is a gift-adoption program. The separate USPS North Pole postmark tradition allows an adult to prepare a personalized Santa reply and send it for a special postmark.
No. USPS says letters are not guaranteed to be published, adopted or fulfilled. Check the current official program rules before mailing.
NORAD’s site traditionally offers holiday activities and a countdown before the journey. Santa’s tracking takes place on December 24. Go to the official site for the latest schedule.