The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a heartwarming tradition: the opportunity to send letters directly to Santa Claus! This year, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is continuing its incredible "Operation Santa" program, allowing children and families to share their Christmas wishes and experiences with the magic of the season.

Operation Santa isn't just about wish lists; it's about connection, generosity, and spreading holiday cheer. The program provides a unique platform for individuals and families in need to express their hopes and dreams, while also offering an opportunity for kind-hearted individuals to step into the role of Santa's helpers.

The heart of Operation Santa lies in the letters themselves. Children pour out their desires for toys, games, and special gifts, while families may share their circumstances and needs, creating a powerful narrative that resonates with potential adopters. It's a glimpse into the lives of others, fostering empathy and a desire to make a positive impact.

Starting November 17, 2025, the program swings into action, with letters becoming available for "adoption" by generous individuals and organizations. Adopters can browse through the letters, select those that resonate with them, and then fulfill the wishes expressed within, bringing joy and hope to those who need it most.

One of the most significant enhancements to Operation Santa this year is the option for families to write a joint household letter. This allows multiple family members to be included in a single request, streamlining the process and ensuring that everyone under the same roof benefits from the generosity of adopters.

Sheila Holman, USPS Marketing Vice President, emphasizes the importance of community and the program's impact: "For more than a century, USPS Operation Santa has brought communities together to make the holidays brighter. Each year, we receive far more letters than we have adopters, and this year we want to change that – especially by encouraging participants to adopt family letters, which makes it possible to fulfill the wishes of an entire household at once.”

To ensure that letters reach Santa's list in time for the holidays, families need to adhere to a crucial deadline. Letters must be postmarked by December 6, 2025. This allows ample time for processing, adoption, and gift fulfillment before Christmas Day.

Volunteers across the nation can participate by logging in to the Operation Santa website and browsing the available letters. The system is designed to protect the privacy of both the letter writers and the adopters. Adopters only see the wishes expressed in the letters, without access to personal details.

To simplify the gift-giving process, the USPS has introduced an online gift catalog. This allows adopters to easily select and purchase gifts that align with the wishes expressed in the letters. Once purchased, the gifts are shipped directly to the families, ensuring a seamless and efficient delivery.

The roots of Operation Santa can be traced back to 1912, when Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock officially authorized local postmasters to open letters addressed to Santa. This groundbreaking decision allowed postal staff and concerned citizens to read the letters and respond, marking the beginning of a tradition of goodwill and community support.

Over time, the program evolved beyond simply writing responses to adopting letters and sending gifts. Charitable groups, corporations, and ordinary people joined the effort, expanding the reach of Operation Santa and transforming it into a nationwide phenomenon.

The digital age brought further advancements to Operation Santa. In 2009, the USPS piloted an online version of the program in New York City, enabling people to adopt letters via the internet. This marked a significant step towards accessibility and convenience, allowing more people to participate in the spirit of giving.

In subsequent years, the digital program expanded to more locations, making more letters available online and enabling more people to adopt from anywhere in the United States. This digital transformation significantly broadened the program's reach and impact.

By 2020, Operation Santa had become a nationwide digital initiative, allowing individuals across the country to adopt letters through the USPS website. This milestone marked a significant achievement in accessibility and inclusivity, enabling anyone with an internet connection to participate in the program.

Recent enhancements to Operation Santa include the introduction of an online catalog, "Santa's Gift Shoppe," in partnership with Toys "R" Us. This catalog simplifies the process of selecting gifts and shipping them directly to the families, making it even easier for adopters to fulfill wishes.

The option to adopt family letters, rather than single letters, has also been a valuable addition. This allows adopters to increase their reach and provide support to entire households, amplifying the positive impact of the program.

For many children, Operation Santa is the closest they get to experiencing real-life Christmas magic. It's a tangible expression of hope, generosity, and the belief in the spirit of the season. For donors, it's a unique opportunity to step into Santa's boots and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Beyond Operation Santa, the USPS has implemented other changes, including adjustments to stamp and mailing prices. In January 2025, the cost of Forever stamps increased from $0.73 to $0.78, while postcard prices, both domestic and international, also experienced increases.

These price adjustments are part of ongoing efforts by the USPS to adapt to evolving market conditions and maintain financial sustainability. Customers can expect regular price adjustments as the USPS continues to navigate these changes.

The USPS is also implementing changes to its delivery timelines as part of the "Delivering for America" plan. While around 11% of First-Class Mail may arrive more slowly, the USPS aims to improve overall efficiency and reliability.

Meanwhile, some Contract Postal Units (CPUs) are facing closures in certain states, including California, Arizona, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The USPS has stated that nearby branches will absorb the workload, ensuring continued service for customers.

The USPS is also investing in call center improvements, with the goal of enhancing customer service and providing faster assistance. New technologies are being implemented to facilitate more natural customer interactions and improve tracking information.

All these changes showcase the USPS's commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of its customers and continuing to provide essential services across the nation, including the heartwarming tradition of Operation Santa. You can check an image showing the changes USPS made to Operation Santa.