With the countdown to Christmas upon us, Australia Post is calling on children from Broome to Brisbane to Bourke to pick up some paper, secure some stamps and get their letters to Santa in the mailbox.Australia Post General Manager, Retail Operations Josh Bannister said Christmas was the busiest time of year for the postal service and that the Australia Post team loved being able to bring a touch of magic to children across the country. Mr. Bannister added that sacks of letters have already started arriving at the North Pole from eager kids and Australia Post says there are some key dates to ensure everyone gets a response before Santa and his elves get busy loading the sleigh for Christmas Eve.
“Families look forward to Santa Mail each year and there’s nothing better for us than helping children get their beautifully crafted letters to Santa. We load our trucks and planes, and the letters travel to him all the way from Australia to the North Pole – that’s more than 12,000 km! Then, Santa and his elves will read them and reply to every child. Santa Mail brings a sense of excitement to all and it’s a fantastic way to get children writing and practising their literacy skills. We love seeing families and teachers getting involved.” Bannister commented “We want every child to be able to have the joy of getting in contact with Santa, so this year, our program is open to any form of communication—be it a letter, drawing, song, or photo. In return, kids will receive a response from Santa that suits their accessibility needs, including large print or braille formats.”
Mr Bannister explained that With more than 118,000 letters received last year, Santa needs families to post their letters before 2 December, while schools need to get ready a little earlier and have their letters sent by 24 November. Mr. Bannister said that children of any age are encouraged to take part and letters should be addressed to Santa, North Pole, 9999 with 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 his reply. Parents and children who have low vision can opt-in to receive a large text reply from Santa by sending their letters to Santa Mail (large text), North Pole, 9999. Santa Mail letters can be placed in any red street posting box, or a dedicated Santa Mail box in participating Post Offices. Bannister added that teachers are encouraged to put a whole class’s letters in one large envelope with a class list, student’s full name and home address, to deliver Christmas cheer to all participants. The envelope should be addressed to School of Santa Mail, Locked Bag 12000, Dandenong, VIC, 3175.
Australia Post Pen Pal ambassador, 14-year-old Jack Berne, said writing to Santa each year is a big part of the Christmas tradition for children, just like decorating the Christmas tree.“Just like me, if you’re hoping that Santa is going to leave a present under the tree, then he needs to know what’s on the top of your wish list. Santa loves receiving letters from all the kids around Australia but just remember, Santa is from the North Pole and doesn’t know all our quirky lingo – so if you want a new pair of bathers or thongs, try asking for a swimsuit and some flip flops!” Jack commented “And remember to tell Santa what you’ve done this year to get on his good list – helping Mum with dinner or Dad with the barbie. Santa loves to hear about good deeds done well.”
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