How to Write a Letter to Santa (Kids' Guide and Ideas)

By Cedar & Ledger

Writing a letter to Santa is a December tradition in many homes. It is also a handy, low-pressure way for parents to learn what kids are hoping for. Below is a simple structure kids can follow, prompts for different ages, and tips for parents on keeping the wish list in budget.

This is general information, not financial advice.

A simple letter structure

1. Greeting: "Dear Santa,"
2. About me: name, age and one thing they did this year that they are proud of.
3. Kind things: one or two kind or helpful things they did.
4. Questions for Santa: kids love asking about the reindeer or the North Pole.
5. Wish list: a short list, often two to four items.
6. Something for others: a wish for a friend, family member or pet.
7. Sign-off: "Love," plus their name and a drawing.

Prompts by age

Ages 3 to 5: let them draw the wish list and dictate a sentence or two while you write.

Ages 6 to 8: fill-in-the-blank lines work well: "This year I learned...", "My favorite thing was..."

Ages 9 and up: ask them to write a full paragraph and explain why they want each item. It is good writing practice.

Tips for parents

Keep a copy. Take a photo or keep the letter. It becomes a keepsake, and you will want the wish list later.

Steer the list gently. The want, need, wear, read rule gives kids a simple frame and helps keep the total predictable.

Write early. Letters written in late November or early December give you time to compare prices instead of buying in a rush.

Plan Santa's budget separately. Decide what Santa brings versus what comes from family. Our Christmas budget per child guide walks through it.

Mailing it

Many families "send" letters by putting them by the fireplace or in a home mailbox. Some postal services run letter programs in December; check your national postal service's website for current rules and deadlines, which change from year to year.

Tools that help

The Letter to Santa & Kids Wish List Kit includes printable letter templates, a want/need/wear/read wish list, a December kindness tracker and a private gift budget page for parents. The advent countdown printables pair well with it.

Made with AI assistance and reviewed before release.

Related template: Letter to Santa & Kids Wish List Kit. Also see: Advent Calendar & December Countdown 2026

See all Cedar & Ledger templates

Try the free holiday gift budget calculator →