How to write a letter to Santa and get a reply with the Royal Mail and NSPCC

Children writing letters to Santa this year must have them posted by Friday, December 11.

The Royal Mail is responsible for shipping thousands and thousands of letters to Father Christmas and his elves every year as well as then delivering the replies that he writes in return.

Families with youngsters hopeful that they're on the nice list are being reminded to send their correspondence, cards, letters and pictures in good time to stand a chance of hearing from the main man before things get too hectic at the North Pole.

Excited boys and girls desperate to tell Father Christmas what they've been up to this year and what they would like for Christmas can send their letters to: Father Christmas, Santa's Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ.

It's important, say Santa's team of postmen, that the address is written carefully and clearly on the front, and that a stamp on the envelope is also included. Father Christmas will reply, free of charge, to Royal Mail letters sent by Friday, December 11.

But alongside telling Santa and the elves exactly what they wish to find under the tree on December 25, children must also include their full name and full address within the letter so that Father Christmas and his team can endeavour to reply.

Families requiring further information about the Royal Mail service should visit www.royalmail.com/christmas/letters-to-santa

Santa is also teaming up with the NSPCC to send personalised letters to children all the way from Lapland in order to help raise much-needed funds for the charity.

Each ‘Letter from Santa’ requested by families is printed and posted in a festive envelope.

There is also the choice of a background design and the opportunity to fill in personal information such as the child's age, best friend's name or particular achievements to ensure Father Christmas knows everything there is to know about the youngster he's writing to. The NSPCC is asking for an online donation to the charity in return to help it support children through Christmas and beyond.

A donation of £5, says the charity could buy art materials to help a child express their feelings when they can’t find the words whilst just £4 could pay for a trained volunteer counsellor to answer a child's call to Childline.

To find out more about the NSPCC’s Letter from Santa service and to request a personalised letter for your child please visit nspcc.org.uk/Santa

For more suggestions of things to do with the kids in the run up to Christmas visit www.mykentfamily.co.uk or follow our facebook page here.