The USPS Operation Santa program began in 1912 when United States Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorized local postmasters to open letters addressed to Santa Claus for employees to read and respond to, with the first one starting at the James Farley Post Office..[1] The Postal Service opened the program to the general public in the 1940s, and corporations, charitable organizations, and individuals across America were able to participate[2][3] In 2005 the initiative was featured on the Fox network reality TV special Dear Santa, where six children were chosen from the initiative to have their Christmas wishes granted.
The special was hosted by Jim Belushi and featured appearances from celebrities that included Clay Aiken, Hilary Duff, Raven Symoné, and Tony Hawk.
[7] The digital USPS Operation Santa program was expanded nationally in 2019 when all letters became exclusively available for adoption online.
[11] USPS Operation Santa begins to accept letters for the program on a set date in September each year.
[12] The Postal Service recommends envelopes include the sender’s full name and return address in the upper left corner and bear first-class postage, such as a USPS forever stamp.