We recommend shipping gifts by December 13, but sending as early as possible helps families know their needs have been met.
USPS Operation Santa
Read letters to Santa and help make a holiday wish come true. Sign up now so you’re ready when letter adoption begins on November 17!
Make Someone’s Holiday
Help make holiday wishes come true by adopting a letter and finding the ideal gift to send through our convenient online catalog or on your own.
- STEP 1
Read
Look through letters sent by hopeful people across the U.S. and adopt ones you love.
- STEP 2
Expanded for 2025Shop
Learn MoreThere are now two ways to find the perfect gift — through Santa’s Gift Shoppe or on your own.
- STEP 3
Ship
View GuidelinesShip your gift right away through Santa’s Gift Shoppe or from a participating Post Office™ location by December 13.
Key 2025 Dates
Sep15
Holiday Season Begins for Letter Writers
The mailroom starts accepting letters to Santa
Nov3
Registration Opens for Adopters
Create and verify your account to be ready for letter adoption
Nov17
Letter Adoption Starts
Read the latest letters, find a favorite to fulfill, and try to send your gift as early as possible
Dec6
Last Call for Letter Writers
Send your letters to Santa, following these helpful tips how-to’s
Dec13
Last Day to Ship Gifts
Last day to adopt a letter, and the recommended date to ship your gift by for expected delivery before December 25
Find the Letter That Speaks to You
Once adoption opens November 17, you can look through letters and choose one (or many!) to adopt.
Expanded for 2025Learn More
Choose How You Want to Shop & Ship Gifts
Find the perfect gift through our online catalog Santa’s Gift Shoppe, or shop on your own. Remember it’s all anonymous — it’s from Santa, after all.
Make Your Giving Go Farther
Looking for ways to increase your impact? Consider adopting a family. You can work together with others to give gifts to everyone in a single household.
See What We’re Up To
Generous people from all across the country help make the USPS Operation Santa program a success. See the joy being shared this year.
Santa Needs You
Ready to get involved with the USPS Operation Santa program? Check back on November 17 when letter adoption opens.