A few weeks ago In The Cove spotted the Santa Mail Box at the Lane Cove Post Office. It’s never too early to get those letters to Santa ready (and for mum and dad to take a photo of the letter in case the letter gets “lost” in the mail).
According to Australia Post, sacks of letters have already started arriving at the North Pole from eager kids and they say there are some key dates to ensure everyone gets a response before Santa and his elves get busy loading the sleigh for Christmas Eve.
Santa Letter Cut-Off Dates
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.
How Does It Work?
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.
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.
Santa Mail letters can be placed in any red street posting box, or a dedicated Santa Mail box in participating Post Offices. (see our cover photo of the Lane Cove Post Office – Santa Letter Box). There is also usually a box at Greenwich Post Office – ITC will check that out soon and let you know.
For more information on how to address letters to Santa, lesson plans, letter templates, and writing tips visit auspost.com.au/santamail, where you can also track the letter’s progress with the Santa Mail Tracker.
Handy Tips
Handy tips are available on the Australia Post website to help parents and teachers track the many letters on their journey North:
Brainstorm – You can head to Santa Mail – Australia Post (auspost.com.au) to download a handy template to get children’s ideas bubbling, with prompts for parents and teachers
Write, draw, sing – Put pencil to paper to write your letter, or this year, to support different accessibility needs, children can even sing a song, draw a picture or send a photo outlining their wish list.
Send – We’re a long way from the North Pole! Send your letters by 2 December – or by 24 November if you’re a teacher
Track – Follow the magic with Australia Post’s Santa Mail Tracker
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!
“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.”
Shop Local This Christmas
ITC will soon be releasing our Christmas Gift Guides and we would love you to take the Pledge to Shop Local This Christmas. Here are some tips for getting ready for Christmas from ITC Business Supporters.
Burns Bay Bookery
Meerkat Christmas – Available at Burns Bay Bookery and written by Lane Cove Local Author Aura Parker
Be.U Natural
Be.U Natural is located in the same arcade as Four Frogs Creperie and they have a range of toys that kids will love including the closest thing to a real pet! – The Dinkum Dogs. Pop into their store to feel these soft, adorable fur babies!
Know + Grow
Know + Grow is an online educational toy business by Christine Staniforth of Gymbaroo Lane Cove and Greenwich. Check out this cute Vet set which you can order online.
Iris & Lin
Add a sparkle to your hair with the new eb&ive Luxe Claw collection. Iris & Lin are located in the Lane Cove Plaza (not far from the NAB)
Look After a Cat this Christmas – Try Before You Buy???
HOME CAT BOARDERS needed ESPECIALLY for Christmas:
Do you love cats?
Are you or your family able to invite one of our gorgeous cats into your home over the Christmas holidays?
Enjoy the company and cuddles of a cat like it’s your own without the “long term” responsibility or cost of owning one. The stays are arranged on a casual basis to fit within your circumstances, and you will receive some pocket money.
Paws Galore’s complimentary transport service provides all the drop-offs and pick-ups of their cats, making it simple and easy for you. They come with everything they need (food, bed, kitty tray, kitty litter, toys, etc). They have long and short stays available. This could be you – contact them now here or call/text Hollie on 0434 834 088.
Help Support Local and Independent News
You can support us in three ways:
- Become an ITC reader sponsor – Feel free to be a reader sponsor if you have enjoyed our local news coverage and would like to be an ITC reader sponsor. You can sponsor us with a monthly sponsorship fee. We have reader sponsors who sponsor us for $5.00 a month and some who sponsor us for $100 a year – no amount is too small or too big. Thank you so much to the people who have already supported us via our press Patreon account. Help Us Here.
- Buy the ITC team a coffee – We now have a team, and they need to be paid – buy the ITC team a coffee (or two) and that will help us pay their wages and shout then a coffee Buy a Coffee here.
- Do you own a Lane Cove Business or a Lane Cove resident who owns a business, you can advertise with ITC – our packages start from $30 monthly fee (for a 12-month commitment). Email us here for our rates card.
