The holidays aren’t just about gifts! Build on kids’ excitement for the season while boosting writing skills — plus use the time to connect as a family too.
Writing holiday wish lists or letters to Santa Claus gives kids a chance to practice their writing skills, including spelling, grammar, organizing their thoughts, and expressing themselves.
Need a little help getting the ball rolling? We’ve included a free printable list template and a few tips to start a new letter-writing family tradition.
Lists, Letters, and More
Free Santa letter templates aren’t the only game in town when it comes to seasonal wish lists. Kids can embrace the holiday spirit in all kinds of different formats:
- Letters to grandparents, uncles and aunts, or other beloved adults
- Holiday gratitude lists
- New Year’s resolutions
- Reflections on what they’ve learned and experienced over the past 12 months
- Non-gift wishes for the coming year
- Good old-fashioned holiday wish lists
Tips for the Perfect Letter or List
1. Don’t worry about perfect! The goal here is to have fun. Focus less on grammar and spelling and more on enjoyment. Building a love of reading, writing, and self-expression is much more important than getting every detail right.
2. Let kids decorate their letters for added creativity. Most kids won’t need much encouragement to get out the art supplies. (Take it from experienced parents: you’ll want to put down a cloth or a trash bag to cover your table and keep anything sparkly in one place. Glitter travels faster than Santa’s reindeer.)
3. Don’t limit yourselves to just one list. If the spirit moves them, kids can write gift wish lists and gratitude letters and notes to relatives and friends. (Plus, check out these books that encourage gratitude.)
4. Focus on gratitude. Help kids develop the habit of sharing what they’re thankful for, not just what they want to receive.
5. Make it a habit. Writing these letters can be the start of a new holiday tradition, but you don’t need to wait until the festive season each year to practice writing skills and encourage self-expression. Prompt kids to write down their feelings in journals, send letters to friends, and keep track of the things they’re grateful for.
Download Our Free, Printable Template
Use our downloadable template to get your child started and make writing letters to Santa a new family tradition.
Need ideas for gifts to include? The Scholastic Holiday Guide has handpicked books, toys, and stocking stuffers for every age and interest.
