When to give a letter from Santa, and the last day to order for 2026
By the Claus Post team · Updated 23 October 2026
The last day to order a Claus Post letter for Christmas 2026 is 16 December. You then need to approve your letter promptly, because we only print once it's approved. For the most relaxed run-up, order in November or early December, so the letter can arrive at a moment you choose.
The key dates for 2026
- Order: by 16 December.
- Fill in the short form: straight after ordering.
- Approve the letter: as soon as you can after the proof arrives.
- We post it: within 1–2 working days of your approval.
- Delivery: free tracked UK delivery. We can't promise an exact delivery date.
16 December is the last safe point, not the best one. Every day you wait to approve the letter is a day less for the post. If we haven't heard from you near your deadline, we'll email you first.
The best times to give it
Early December. A letter that arrives in the first week of December starts the season. Santa can say he is busy getting ready and has heard good things. It also gives you time to put the letter on the fridge or the mantelpiece.
After school or on a weekend morning. Coming home to an envelope with their name on it is a big moment. A Saturday morning works well too, when nobody is rushing and you can watch them open it.
Around a milestone. The weekend of the school nativity, the first snow, or the day the tree goes up. Santa can mention it, as long as you tell us in the form.
Christmas Eve. Some families keep the letter back and leave it by the stockings, or on the breakfast table on Christmas Eve. The letter still comes through the post. You simply hold on to it until the moment is right.
Tips so it arrives in time
- Order early. November orders have the most breathing room.
- Fill in the form the same day: their name, a proud moment, a pet, a favourite toy.
- Check your email for the proof, including your junk folder.
- Approve promptly. Nothing is printed until you do.
- More than one child? Add a letter for each. Each letter is written about that child.
Want to keep it secret until the big day?
The envelope is addressed to your child, with a North Pole return address and postmark design, and it comes through your letterbox. If you want to hold it back for a special day, keep an eye on the post and put it somewhere safe. Some families ask a grandparent to "find" it on the doormat at just the right moment.
Gift labels for the big morning
Our letters come with personalised gift labels for their presents: 1 with the Classic Letter and 2 with the Original Letter. Pop one on a present under the tree, and Christmas morning ties back to Santa's letter.
How we make it
- You order, and we email you a link to a short private form.
- You tell us about them, and choose Santa Claus or Father Christmas.
- We write the letter about your child's year.
- You approve every word. Ask for a change if anything is wrong.
- We print it on antique-coloured paper and post it from the UK, with free tracked UK delivery.
Which letter?
- Classic Letter, £12.95: the personalised letter, a named North Pole envelope with a real stamp and twine, and 1 gift label.
- Original Letter, £16.95: everything in Classic, plus a scratch-to-reveal Nice List surprise, a Nice List certificate with a red seal, and 2 gift labels.
Next step
See the Christmas 2026 order and delivery dates, then choose their letter. Order by 16 December.