Sharpen your Number 2 pencils and grab your finest piece of paper because with Christmas less than two weeks away, it’s time to get your letters in to Santa Claus.
![Mrs. Booth’s Grade 2 class at Breslau Public School had their letters for Santa ready in plenty of time. Back row: Riley, Vaughan, Jannie, Jaycen, Ariela, Tori, Mayhi, Ethan, Carson, Jakob, Xunteh, Lucas, Parker. Front row: Carter, Gemma, Nikolina, Eunice, Evan, Kimora, John.[Whitney Neilson / The Observer]](https://www.observerxtra.com/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/news_santaletters.jpg)
You have until December 23 to get your letter to the Elmira post office, where they’ll mail it to the North Pole. You can either put it in the bin out front or mail it inside.
Francine Guenther said they’ve had 80 children come in to mail their letters so far. That doesn’t count the ones put in the mailbox.
“I think it keeps the magic of Christmas alive,” Guenther said of the post office’s role as Santa’s little helper.
Craig Scott said a family that came in this week was the perfect example of why it’s so important to continue the tradition.
“The father brought in his five children and they lined up to put their letters in the box we had for Santa and the look on their face will tell you exactly the reason why it’s worthwhile,” Scott said.
More than 10,000 letters have already come in worldwide and it’s expected that 1.5 million could make its way to Saint Nicholas by December 25.
Canada Post’s national Santa Letter-writing Program officially began 33 years ago. The program has averaged one million letters or more each year for the past 13 years.
Students in Mrs. Booth’s Grade 2 class at Breslau Public School were keeners with their letters all ready to go this week. Robotic pets and craft supplies were common gifts on their wish list.
“I want a Zoomer pet,” John M. exclaimed. “It’s like a robot dog.”
“I want an art kit. My sister has a big one,” Eunice G. said.
“A Zoomer puppy and a marker maker,” Nikolina W. chimed in.
“A Nintendo 3DS with Pokemon XY,” Ethan L. said.
Postage is not required but all children should address their letters to Santa at this address: Santa Claus, North Pole, Canada HOH OHO.
About a 10 per cent increase in letters is expected this year. Santa will receive letters in more than 30 languages, including Braille. The big man and his 6,000 postal elves will ensure that each and every letter will get a response in time for Christmas.
“I encourage all the girls and boys to send their letter to Santa soon,” says Holly T. Elf, who started working at the North Pole post office more than 30 years ago. “And don’t forget to include your return address. While Santa knows where your house is, the postal elf team needs your address to ensure your letter will be delivered on time.”
