Autumn is here, schools are back and something is beginning to change at the North Pole.
Christmas 2026 is getting closer.
At Santa Letter Direct, this is the point in the year when Christmas stops feeling like something far off in the distance and starts becoming very real. The next few weeks will see North Pole post begin, Santa's replies follow and Christmas excitement start building properly.
So, what's happening as we head towards the most magical part of the year?
Dear Santa Post Starts on 1 October
The first big date in our Christmas calendar is almost here.
From 1 October 2026, our Dear Santa letters begin being sent.
These give children the chance to sit down, think about their year and prepare their own very important message for Father Christmas.
Of course, there will probably be a Christmas list involved too.
If your child is getting ready to write, our guide to writing a letter to Santa has plenty of ideas for what they might like to include.
Children Are Already Thinking About Christmas
It may still be September, but Christmas wish lists have a habit of appearing early.
Some children have been quietly collecting ideas for months. Others won't really begin thinking about Father Christmas until decorations start appearing and the evenings become darker.
There's no right time, but if the list has already begun in your house, take a look at our guide to when to send a letter to Santa.
Santa's Reply Letters Begin on 1 November
October is about sending Christmas wishes towards the North Pole.
Then, from 1 November 2026, the post starts travelling in the other direction.
That's when our personalised letters from Santa begin being sent for Christmas 2026.
There's something particularly special about a child seeing an envelope arrive with their own name on it and discovering that Father Christmas appears to know rather a lot about them.
We've previously explored why children still love receiving real post, even in a world filled with screens and instant messages.
Schools and PTAs Are Starting Their Christmas Plans
Christmas preparations aren't only happening at home.
September is a useful time for schools and PTAs to plan festive activities and fundraising before the autumn term becomes extremely busy.
We've recently shared ideas for Christmas fundraising with Santa and a practical guide to creating a North Pole Post Office at school.
Schools, PTAs, charities and community groups can also find out more about our school and group fundraising programme.
Christmas Magic Is More Than One Letter
Letters will always be a huge part of Christmas for us, but there are lots of ways families can build the story around them.
A child might write to Santa, receive a personalised reply, discover they've made the Nice List, see Father Christmas in a personalised video or call and then leave a special key out for him on Christmas Eve.
We've brought some of those ideas together in 7 ways to make Christmas more magical for your child in 2026.
The North Pole Is Getting Busier
This is the lovely part of the season.
We're not yet in the frantic final weeks before Christmas. There's still time to enjoy the build-up.
But things are beginning to happen.
Lists are being written. Schools are planning Christmas fairs. Parents are starting to think about traditions. Children are noticing Christmas appearing in shops again.
And somewhere far to the north, we imagine the elves are becoming considerably busier.
Two Dates for the Christmas Calendar
If you remember nothing else from this update, there are two important Santa Letter Direct dates coming up:
- 1 October 2026: Dear Santa letters begin being sent.
- 1 November 2026: personalised Reply Letters from Santa begin being sent.
Between those dates, the Christmas season at Santa Letter Direct moves properly into action.
Here We Go
Christmas 2026 is on its way.
There are letters to write, surprises to plan and plenty of North Pole magic still to come.
For now, sharpen the pencils and start thinking about what you might want to tell Father Christmas.
North Pole post opens in just a few days.