By ANNA USHER

With Christmas just around the corner, local kids are being urged to get their letters to Santa underway, so they can reach the North Pole before the big day.

Australia Post is geared up for the rush, inviting our youngest community members to hand-deliver their wish lists and receive a special reply from Father Christmas, plus a free ornament to take home.

“We encourage families to join in the much-loved tradition by helping little ones write a letter to Santa, seal it in an envelope (no stamp or return address required), and deliver it to a participating Post Office,” a spokesperson told Mosman Collective.

To make sure replies arrive before Santa takes flight on Christmas Eve, here’s how it works:

1. Write your letter: Kids can tell Santa what’s on their wish list and share something they’re proud of this year.
2. Drop it off: Head to your local Post Office and hand over the letter.
3. Each child will receive a reply from Santa along with a Pip the Koala ornament to keep as a special Christmas memento.

If your child has already posted their letter to Santa they can still drop by a Post Office to collect their reply and keepsake.

Josh Bannister, Executive General Manager Retail, Brand and Marketing at Australia Post said the excitement of Santa Mail continues to delight Australians of all ages.

“Santa Mail is a treasured tradition for families and something our team looks forward to every year. Seeing children’s faces light up when they hand over their letters is what makes Christmas so magical. We’re proud to help Santa spread a little magic across Australia once again,” he said.

Australia Post has also released two new Christmas stamp ranges, including 65c local stamps and a $3 international stamp.