Children everywhere delight in the mystery of Santa Claus. The age-old letter to Santa can be a wonderful way for children to express their ideas and wishes.

Before writing a letter to Santa, take a few moments to think about what you really want to include in the Christmas wish letter. Are there some things, other than toys, that could be worthwhile wishes? Have you been good or more naughty than necessary this year? Did you earn good grades in school?

So, let's get in the mood to write to Santa. Put on a favorite Christmas cd, something lively with lots of sounds of jingling bells. Why not add a cup of hot chocolate with a candy cane stirrer. Get a piece of paper and a pencil (just in case you need to change a few things), and let's begin.

Start by printing or writing your name and address at the top right-hand corner of the page. Always write neatly, so Santa will be able to read what you wrote.

Begin your letter with "Dear Santa Clause." It's always a good idea to tell Santa a bit about yourself. He's got many boys and girls to remember, and it can't hurt to refresh his mind. Tell him if you've been good, or bad, because you don't want to fib to Santa.

Add in somethings you did that were special, or helped others. Things like, helping someone learn to read, or color inside the lines, or maybe you helped your grandma and grandpa work in their garden or mow their lawn.

Don't forget to thank Santa for the things he brought you last year. Now it's time to tell Santa what you want for Christmas and why. Keep your list short, and only put things on the list that you truly want. If there are some things you would like Santa to bring for your family, be sure to add these to your list.

You might want to end your letter by wishing all Santa's reindeer, elves, and Mrs. Santa Clause a Merry Christmas. Your letter might look something like this:

Cindy Cinnamon
123 N. Candy Cane Rd.
Snowdrift, MT 99999

Dear Santa Claus,

It's me, Cindy! I was very good this year, and helped my mommy to fold the laundry. I tried to keep my room clean and always put away my toys. I helped my grandma plant flowers, and me and my grandpa went fishing and raked leaves.

Here's what I want for Christmas:
1. A bicycle with training wheels
2. A fishing pole
3. Big trucks
4. A pink teddy bear
5. Computer games
6. Make-up Set
7. Jewelry

My grandma gets cold in the winter time, and I would like you to bring her a new sweater. My grandpa gets lots of snow and would like a snow blower.

Cookies and milk will be waiting for you. And, there is pop corn in the kitchen for the reindeer. Tell the elves and Mrs. Santa Claus that I hope they have a Merry Christmas!

Thank you for all the things you brought me last year, Santa.

Love,
Cindy

When you finish your letter, put it in an envelope and address it, or have your mom or dad help you. The letter can be sent to:

Santa Claus
North Pole, Alaska 99709-9999