Making Christmas letters and cards

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Christmas is one of the few times in the year that people send cards or write letters, especially to Santa. When young children see the adults in their lives writing or reading it cements the concept that words have meaning.

Creating your special letter

Invite your child to tell you what they might like to say in a letter to Santa or a friend, write it down and then read it back to them. Not only does this boost their understanding of the importance of reading and writing but it adds value to their words.

For an extra special card or letter to Santa pull out the glue, pens and coloured paper and spend time with your child getting creative.

Other ideas for Christmas craft time together:

• Talk about the colours you're using or the textures of the different materials. Are they smooth or rough? Bright? Shiny?
• Search in the garden for things you could use to decorate a special card to give a friend or family member when you see them
• Sing Christmas carols together: they're full of interesting new words!
• Plan some special Christmas-themed food to make, or try making red- or green-tinted play dough (here's a play dough recipe to try from Playgroup Australia)

Labelling and addressing your letter

If you do send cards, talk to your little one about what you are doing and why. Point out the name and address on the front of the envelope and discuss how this help the postie deliver the letter to the right person. 

You might like to talk about your address with your child, so they understand and know where they live. You could also acknowledge the traditional owners of the land you're on by including your city or town's traditional place name! Australia Post has a handy guide to addressing letters. 

Picture books that focus on letters and mail

The jolly postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg 

The giant hug by Sandra Horning 

Letters from Maisy by Lucy Cousins 

It came in the mail by Ben Clanton  

Dear Santa by Rod Campbell