For 101 years, the elves in Santa Claus, Indiana, have been responding to children's letters of Christmas wishes. The Santa Claus, IN, post office receives about 1,300 letters each year.

According to the santaclausind.org website,

The first Santa Claus Post Office opened its doors in 1856. The town's name did not peak interest however, until 1914 when Santa Claus' 14th postmaster, James Martin, took it upon himself to answer the children's letters.

 

James Martin continued answering letters and eventually enlisted Jim Yellig to aid in helping him write back to children across the world. Today, the non-profit organization, Santa's Elves Inc, and the Santa Claus Museum, organize volunteers to answer all the children's letters that flood this tiny post office during the holidays.

According to the Santa Claus Museum's current director, Emily Thompson, the letters range from happy and funny to sad and heartbreaking - each with its own personality. A letter from Kris Kringle can brighten the life of any small one who believes.

To receive a letter back from Santa and his elves, the post office must receive your letter by December 21th. If you would like to send a letter to Santa, you can mail him at P.O. Box 1, Santa Claus, IN 47579.

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