USPS Launches 114th Operation Santa Program
USPS Launches 114th Operation Santa Program
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Key Points
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USPS says families should place their letters together in one envelope, while classrooms and organizations should mail letters separately; it also advises against including three-dimensional artwork.
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Letter writers are encouraged to print clearly, provide a complete return address and list gift requests in order of preference, in addition to including their full name and holiday wishes.
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Adopters can shop through USPS’s online Santa’s Gift Shoppe or purchase gifts independently, then ship them through the online program or from a participating post office.
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If a letter is adopted and fulfilled, the recipient may receive a package anytime from the website’s November opening through mid-January 2027, rather than necessarily before Christmas.
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USPS marketing vice president Sheila Holman said the program helps families for whom “the simple act of exchanging even small gifts is out of reach,” describing Operation Santa as an opportunity for acts of kindness.
The U.S. Postal Service has launched its 114th Operation Santa program, welcoming holiday letters from children and families across the continental United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. USPS says adopters — individuals, organizations, and communities — can claim letters starting November 16 and fulfill wishes through the program, though adoption is not guaranteed for every letter submitted.
Letters must be postmarked by December 5 to qualify. Families can mail their wishes together in one envelope, and adopters can purchase gifts through USPS's online Santa's Gift Shoppe or buy independently. USPS vice president Sheila Holman said the program serves families for whom "the simple act of exchanging even small gifts is out of reach."
How to Write and Mail a Holiday Letter
Letter writers should print clearly and include a complete return address, full name, and holiday wishes. Gift requests should be listed in order of preference. USPS advises against including three-dimensional artwork. Families should place their letters together in one envelope, while classrooms and organizations should mail letters separately to avoid confusion during adoption.
All letters must include First-Class postage and be postmarked by December 5. Adopter registration opens November 2, giving volunteers time to sign up before adoption begins November 16. This timeline ensures USPS has time to process incoming mail before the holiday rush.
How Adopters Can Fulfill Holiday Wishes
Volunteers can choose individual or family letters to adopt. USPS offers an online Santa's Gift Shoppe where adopters can purchase gifts directly, or they can buy presents independently and ship through the program. Adopters should ship gifts by December 12 for expected Christmas delivery.
Once fulfilled, recipients can receive packages anytime from November 2026 through mid-January 2027. This extended window accounts for mail delays and ensures gifts arrive even if Christmas delivery is not possible. Adopters can complete their transactions entirely online or use participating post offices.
A Tradition Spanning Over a Century
Operation Santa dates back to 1912, making this year's program the 114th iteration of the holiday initiative. Big Island Now reports that every year, thousands of families participate, sending their wish lists to Santa at his North Pole workshop. The program has become a cornerstone of USPS's community engagement during the holiday season.
USPS marketing leaders emphasize Operation Santa as a platform for acts of kindness. The program helps bridge gaps for families facing financial hardship, ensuring children still experience the joy of gift-giving during the holidays. Community involvement remains central to the initiative's success year after year.
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