Operation Santa Claus

Pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States

2008-06-12T10:15:00.007-05:00

I pledge Allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty, and Justice for all.

Did you know that Congress first authorized the United States Flag on June 14, 1777 which is the day we currently celebrate Flag Day in America? This date is also significant in that it qualifies our flag as the third oldest of the National Standards of the world, even older than Britain’s Union Jack.

First flown from Fort Stanwix, on the site of the present city of Rome, New York, on August 3, 1777, the flag had a tumultuous beginning, going through the Battle of Oriskany when it was only three days old on August 6, 1777.

The flag's original design called for a star and a stripe for each state, making thirteen of each, to correspond to the original thirteen colonies.

In 1791, Vermont was admitted to the union, followed by Kentucky in 1792. The number of stars and stripes was accordingly raised to fifteen. As other states joined, it was clear something would have to be done about the ever-expanding flag. An act of Congress in 1818 reduced and restricted the number of stripes on the flag to thirteen. A star would be added for each new state.

The individual stars depicting the states represent the power of our Federal Constitution, which reserves to the States their individual sovereignty, except as to rights delegated by them to the Federal Government.

George Washington said of the flag’s symbolism, "We take the stars from Heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity representing Liberty."

Our incredible military protects our hard fought and hard won liberty. This Independence Day please support our troops here: http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/index.aspx

FREE! Virtual Antique Independence Day Greeting Cards

2008-06-12T10:11:00.003-05:00

Send special greetings to all your friends and family this 4th of July with our Fabulous Free Virtual Antique Greeting Cards. They are beautiful, nostalgic and just plain old fashioned fun to send and receive.

Do you remember all the verses to our glorious National Anthem?

The Star Spangled Banner
By Francis Scott Key

Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early lightWhat so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet waveO’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:‘Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it waveO’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly sworeThat the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion,A home and a country should leave us no more!Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution.No refuge could save the hireling and slaveFrom the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth waveO’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall standBetween their loved home and the war’s desolation!Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued landPraise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall waveO’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Send Your Child On An Easter Gift Venture

2008-03-04T07:44:00.008-06:00

Good morning and Happy Spring!

Easter is almost here and we are very excited to tell you that one of our very favorite gift companies, Giftventures.com, is offering a wonderful Easter adventure for children. This is absolutely one of Santa’s favorite websites, so please visit today. You will love what they do, I promise!

In a nutshell, what this company does is send your child (or even an adult!) on a “Gift Venture”. You sign up ($14.95 plus shipping), give them a little information about your child, tell them what the gift is that you have purchased for the child and where you will be hiding it and they will mail the child (or adult!) a series of letters full of clues and puzzles to send them on a wonderful adventure. This is the kind of gift giving and receiving that creates unforgettable memories so be sure to have your camera or camcorder ready to record the delightful treasure hunt.

Steve Mock, Founder and CEO of Giftventures.com just told us that one lucky reader of Santa’s Newsletter will receive a free Giftventure, and just in time for Easter too! What a great way to hide an Easter basket or Easter gift.

To win, simply leave a comment on this past before midnight on Monday, March 17, 2008 for an entry into a random drawing. One entry per person, please.

We absolutely love the idea behind Giftventures and are looking forward to hearing your comments.

Happy Easter!

Operation Letters To Santa

Order your Valentine's GiftVenture Today for Reduced Price

2008-01-31T08:43:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Create a Valentine's Day adventure for a loved one around a greeting card, chocolate, or any other gift you might give. A Giftventure is a "treasure hunt by mail" service for almost any occasion.

In a Giftventure, the recipient receives a series of letters from a mythical character and plays a role in solving a mystery that leads to a gift you hide. Click here to watch the introductory video. This year Cupid is the star in the Valentine's Day Giftventure. The gift can be Valentine's Day chocolate, card, or anything fun to give. Order by Jan 31 to receive reduced shipping on the Valentine's Day Giftventure.

"Somebody has hidden a Valentine's Day surprise for you! Help Cupid on his adventures as he tries to deliver the note that will lead you to your gift."

Ages 4-8: Cupid's Adventure - Read the letters!

Ages 8 and up: Cupid's Adventure - Read the letters!

Special Introductory Price: $14.95

Shipping: $3.95 Shipping if ordered by Jan 31th (overnight shipping will be available thereafter)

Give a Unique Giftventure for Valentine's Day!

2008-01-29T07:46:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. We have discovered a wonderful website that allows you to create a Valentine's Day Adventure for a loved one that includes the plans that you have already set in motion.

A Giftventure is a "treasure hunt by mail" service for almost any occasion. In a Giftventure, the recipient receives a series of letters from a mythical character ( in this case, Cupid!) and plays a role in solving a mystery that leads to a gift you hide.

Here's how it works: You buy a gift for your loved one, hide it, then have Cupid help you carry out a kind of scavenger hunt. Your loved one receives letters from Cupid and with the help of a few details from you, the letter is personalized and helps the recepient embark on an adventure to solve a mystery that will lead to your gift. Click here to watch the introductory video.

GiftVenture is the perfect gift adventure for children and adults! Do you know a child who is having a birthday soon? Simply choose the mythical creature that you think the child would love and let them do the rest. They will send 3 personalized letters that you hand deliver or mail to the recepients. The letters will contain a puzzle that leads to the hidden gift. Check it out here.

Valentine's Day is going to be here very soon, but if you order by Jan 31 you will receive reduced shipping on the Valentine's Day Giftventure and you will also receive the really great introductury price of $14.95. Reduced shipping if ordered by Jan 31th will be $3.95. Overnight shipping will be available thereafter.

Tell a Friend about GiftVenture by clicking here. This is a very personal and unique gift service and we recommend it highly!

Happy Valentine's Day & Happy Adventuring!

Happy New Year From Operation Letters To Santa

2007-12-29T17:14:00.001-06:00

It is hard to believe that yet another year has passed and that 2008 is upon us.

Be sure to visit Santa's website where you will find tons of New Year activities, games and crafts for the whole family. There are also New Year's coloring pages, traditional recipes, party drinks and so much more. Remember, our website is not just a Christmas site!

This New Years Eve, Americans who want to say "Happy New Year" to a U.S. soldier can send a text message straight to Times Square. "Operation New Year's Eve" charges cell phone customers 99 cents to send messages to soldiers overseas. Beginning Friday, December 28, 2007 the messages were being displayed on a video screen from the tallest building in Times Square. "To all our troops abroad: I wish you a peaceful tour and a safe and speedy return home. Thanks for all you do. Bob (NYC)," read one of the messages.

Soldiers can read the messages on the www.operationnewyearseve.org web site, created by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. We think that this is a wonderful idea and urge our visitors to support our troops and send them our heartfelt thanks by wishing them a very safe New Year.

Happy New Year!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children each Christmas by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

Free Thank You Notes Personalized With Your Own Name

2007-12-26T11:17:00.001-06:00

At first glance, what thoughts come to your mind when you think of Christmas? Do you see brightly wrapped packages with glittery bows? The holidays are a wonderful time of giving and receiving. When was the last time you said "Thank You" to all of the people who make your life so good? Often, you meant to, but something else always seemed to have more priority.

It is important to write "Thank You" notes to all of your relatives and friends who thought so much of you during these holidays and all other occasions! So take some time before the New Year arrives to think about all of the people who've made you feel good all year.

What is a "Thank You" note?

It is a simple expression of gratitude telling the sender that you appreciate them for thinking of you. Mention the gift that they got you and let them know how much you appreciate their thoughtfulness in getting or making it for you.

I said "Thank You" when I received the gift!

It is always important to thank someone when they actually give you the gift. That being done, it is proper etiquette to send a written thank you note after you have opened the gift. Don't let the holidays get too far behind you. It is always a good idea to save the gift tags with the gift or make a list of the gifts that you received as soon as you can. This way you won't inadvertently leave anyone off of your list. Make this a family time. Ask your parents to help you make your list, gather up notepaper, envelopes and stamps. They very likely have "Thank You" notes to write as well, and this can be a very enjoyable time to sit at the table and enjoy recalling the wonders of the piles of gifts beneath the Christmas tree.

Can't I just email them?

Email is a wonderful tool for saying a quick thanks. However, you should send them a card, a note or a letter. You could send a virtual card, but it has no permanence. Give your loved ones something that can be saved and cherished. You can be very creative with your computer and make up your own designs for notes if you like. Be sure to sign it in your own hand though. Are you too young to write a note yourself? Do you like to draw or color? Sending "Thank You" notes on your own art will be greatly appreciated by the lucky recipient.

Go here for free holiday stationery that is personalized with your own name!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children each Christmas by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

Christmas Greetings From Operation Santa Claus

2007-12-24T16:48:00.001-06:00

Operation Letters To Santa sends you and your family warmest Christmas wishes this Christmas Eve, 2007.

Don't forget to track Santa Claus to your house tonight and be sure to snuggle down in front of the fireplace with T'was the Night Before Christmas (or your favorite Christmas Tale) just before hanging your stockings and heading off to be tucked into bed.

There is so much to do on Santa's website so be sure to make the Site Map your first stop.

Have you emailed Santa Claus yet? Be patient when you do, because this is a very busy evening for Santa and it may take a few minutes to get a response.

God bless and Merry Christmas!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

It Is Not Too Late To Answer "Dear Santa" Letters

2007-12-24T12:20:00.000-06:00

Even though it is Christmas Eve, it is not too late to go to your local post office to pick up a "Dear Santa" letter from a needy child in your town. Please visit this page to find out how to contact your local post office to see if they have a letter that you and your family can answer and make a child's Christmas dream a reality.

God bless and Merry Christmas!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

"Cookies" for Santa's Reindeer

2007-12-19T07:08:00.000-06:00

This is a great "Reindeer Cookie" recipe sent in by a visitor to Santa's website.

"This is a recipe I thought of while talking with my dad about how it was unfair that Santa gets cookies on Christmas Eve, but the reindeer only get veggies.

So I thought it would be a great idea to still give them veggies but, make them into a cookie! I call them "reindeer cookies"

First you chop up some celery in about 1 1/2 inch pieces.

Then you put cream cheese or peanut butter on the grooves of two pieces, making the top and bottom of the cookie.

Then you take a mini carrot and put it in the biggest opening of one piece of celery (shaping the celery with a knife as needed to make both halves fit together more evenly), then take the other piece of celery and put it on top of the carrot, pressing down gently to stick them together.

Use a knife to clean up excess filling off the ends. And there’s your REINDEER COOKIE!

A great new treat for Santa's reindeer, and a great way to get the kids to eat their veggies at all those Christmas dinners.

Submitted by Kabrianna Kay Mumford, Elmwood, Nebrask

Merry Christmas to All!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

Operation Santa Claus - San Francisco

2007-12-19T05:38:00.000-06:00

April, who is one of Santa's Elves in San Francisco sent us this email yesterday about Operation Santa Claus at the Main Street Post Office.

"Here's the info I have on the SF Post Office's 2007 Operation Santa Claus program.

Individuals can pick up letters at this location from 1-3PM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays:

USPS Consumer Affairs Office
390 Main Street, Suite 220
San Francisco, CA 94105

When they get there, they'll need to sign in at the front desk on the lobby floor and show their driver's license. From there, they'll get a pass and head up to the 2nd floor. The Operation Santa Claus room has snacks and drinks and the people working there were great! I've met Gwen, Catherine and Rachel and they were all very helpful. After picking out their letters, volunteers will sign the letters out, writing down the names and addresses on the letters they've selected. They'll then sign the form and so will the Operation Santa Claus rep.

I think that's about it for the process. Like I mentioned on the phone, it's a bit lengthy, but they were definitely efficient there. "

We love receiving information like this that we can share with other Santa's elves so please let us know when you find a post office that has an active "Operation Santa Claus" program and we will post it right away.

Merry Christmas to All!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

Christmas Decorated Sugar Cookies

2007-12-18T15:41:00.000-06:00

Christmas Decorateed Sugar Cookies

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup granulated white sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 bag mini M & M's

1 container green colored sugar crystals

Sugar Cookies:

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.

In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 to 4 minutes). Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat until combined. Add the flour mixture and beat until you have a smooth dough.

Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about one hour or until firm enough to roll.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and place rack in center of oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or use a non-stick baking sheet.

Remove one half of the chilled dough from the refrigerator and, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. (Keep turning the dough as you roll, making sure the dough does not stick to the counter.)

Cut out cookies using a lightly floured tree cookie cutter and transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheet.

Place the baking sheets with the unbaked cookies in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to chill the dough which prevents the cookies from spreading and losing their shape while baking.

Bake cookies for about 10 minutes (depending on size) or until they begin to brown around the edges. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

To decorate cookies sprinkle green sugar atop cookies while they are warm and decorate each cookie with colored mini M&M's.

Cookies will keep several days in an airtight container. Store between layers of parchment paper or wax paper. These make wonderful Christmas gifts so grab plenty of holiday treat bags and hand them out to friends and office mates. They will love you!

Merry Christmas to All!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

Operation Letters To Santa Needs Your Help

2007-12-17T07:54:00.000-06:00

Please share this message!

Christmas is a mere week away and we are answering as many "Dear Santa" letters from needy children as our resources allow. We do need help however.

There are several ways that you can bring a smile to a child's face on Christmas morning. We have listed many United States Postal Service Operation Santa Claus Chapters on Santa's website where you can go to the post office and pick up "Dear Santa" letters to answer.

Or you can Make a Donation. If there is one time of year that should feel more special than others, it's the holidays. Whether it's giving of ourselves when we entertain family and friends or sharing our blessings with those in need, this is the season of giving. Don't have time to shop, wrap or mail gifts to answer those "Dear Santa" letters? Santa has established an account at Paypal so you can make a contribution of any amount that you like, and we will do the shopping and shipping for you. 100% of all contributions are used to bring Christmas to needy children who write to "Dear Santa" each year. Read more.

Merry Christmas to All!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

Favorite Christmas Tales

2007-12-02T09:07:00.000-06:00

Please share this!

"Twas The Night Before Christmas , and all through the house . . . " That famous line is the beginning of one of the most beloved holiday stories of all time. For over 180 years, children have gone to bed with visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads, as they wait for Saint Nick to visit on Christmas Eve. Reading the poem has become a favorite family tradition in households across the country. Whether your family curls up by the fire with a treasured copy of the book, or gathers to enjoy an audio – even musical – version, the famous words of Clement C. Moore brighten the holidays for thousands of people every year.

We have gathered together a wonderful selection of Christmas Tales that are sure to delight every member of your family, from the youngest children, who will enjoy the traditional How The Grinch Stole Christmas to parents and grandparents, who will savor selections by Hans Christian Anderson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Please enjoy as our Christmas gift to you!

A Carol For The Children by Ogden Nash
A Catch By The Hearth
A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A Christmas Prayer
A Christmas Tree by Charles Dickens
A Letter From Santa Claus by Mark Twain
Beggar's Rhyme
Berties Christmas Eve by H.H. Munro ("Saki")
Christmas by Washington Irving
Christmas Angels by PZ Mann
Christmas Carol by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Christmas Carol Poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Christmas Day In The Morning by Pearl S. Buck
Christmas Eve In Our Village by Phyllis McGinley
Christmas Greeting
Christmas Greetings by Lewis Carroll
Christmas In The Olden Time by Walter Scott
Christmas Novena
Christmas Poem by G.K. Chesterton
Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson
Christmas Quotes and Christmas Prayers for Children
Christmas Trees by Robert Frost
Hoodoo McFiggin's Christmas by Stephen Leacock
How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Long, Long Ago
Old Christmas by Washington Irving
Prayer For The Christmas Tree
Santa Claus
Santa's Prayer On Christmas Eve by Warren D. Jennings
Snow Storm by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Song of the Holly by William Shakespeare
The Ballad of Befana by Phyllis McGinley
The Christmas Guest by Helen Steiner Rice
The Doll And The White Rose by V.A. Bailey

The Elves And The Shoemaker by The Brothers Grimm
The Gift Of The Magi by O. Henry
The Last Little Christmas Tree
The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Anderson
The Noel Candle by Clement C. Moore
The Peterkin's Christmas Tree Lucretia P. Hale
The Pine Tree by Hans Christian Anderson
The Snowdrop by Hans Christian Anderson
Three Kings by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Twas The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clark Moore
What Can I Give Him? by Christina Rossetti
What Shall We Give The Children
When Santa Claus Comes
Why Evergreens Never Lose Their Leaves by Florence Holbrook
Yes, Virginia Editorial Page, New York Sun, 1897

Merry Christmas to All!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

USPS Letters to Santa Program Kicks Off at PIER 39 in San Francisco

2007-12-01T22:46:00.000-06:00

SAN FRANCISCO — More than 100 years ago, the U.S. Postal Service began receiving letters to Santa Clause. On Sunday, November 18, at 12:45 p.m. that tradition continued as Noemi Luna, the postmaster of San Francisco, kicked off this year’s Letters to Santa Program at PIER 39.

The Postal Service once again teamed with PIER 39 as it joined in the festivities for the PIER 39 Tree Lighting Celebration, which took place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. A special area was set up for children, who had the opportunity to write letters to Santa. Children were assisted by a team of Postal Elves and they were able to decorate their special letters before mailing.

“This is a very special holiday tradition that the Postal Service does yearly,” said Luna. “Working with the Letters to Santa program is one of the ways our employees celebrate the season and give back to the community.”

In 1912, Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorized local postmasters to allow postal employees and citizens to respond to the Letters to Santa program — this became known as Operation Santa. In the 1940s, mail volume for Santa increased so much that the Postal Service invited charitable organizations and corporations to participate by providing written responses and small gifts.

Through the years, the program has taken on a life of its own and today, cities, around the country, including San Francisco, have extremely successful programs with charitable organizations, corporations, local businesses and postal employees making a difference in the lives of children from coast to coast.

This year’s program changed slightly to add a layer of security to protect little letter writers. Letters to Santa will no longer be mailed or faxed to individuals — all requests must be made in person. Individuals must present photo identification to receive letters. Third parties, such as charities, businesses, schools etc., wishing to adopt letters, must now fill-out forms as well.
Those wishing to participate in the program can pick up letters at the following Post Offices:

San Francisco
390 Main St 2nd Flr.
415-371-5160

Kneeland
4827a Kneeland Rd.
707-442-5482

Belvedere-Tiburon
6 Beach Rd.
415-435-1378

Mountain View
211 Hope St.
650-938-6912

Crescent City
751 2nd St.
707-464-2152

San Bruno
1300 Huntington Ave.
650-952-2901

Duncan Mills
25375 Steelhead Bl.
707-865-2767

Santa Rosa
730 Second St.
707-528-8783

Sunnyvale
580 N. Mary Ave.
408-732-1404

Larkspur
120 Ward Ave.
415-924-4792

Fort Bragg
203 N Franklin St.
707-964-2302

Sebastopol
275 Petaluma Ave.
707-823-1427

Days and times vary for program participation so customers should call their nearest Post Office for details.

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

Chicago Operation Santa Claus Update

2007-12-01T17:10:00.000-06:00

Chicago's main post office is beginning its Letters to Santa program this week, designed to help the neediest families who reach out and make an appeal to "Dear Santa."

Dear Santa letters come in all shapes and sizes and of course, a few of the letters ask for X-Boxes. And some may come from upper middle class kids who are learning to write. But the post office says almost all of them are from people who are genuinely needy, some of the poorest families in the area.

Like this one: "Dear Santa Claus. I would like for Santa Claus to help me and my son this year. I would like for Santa Claus to send my son a headset AM-FM radio because he's blind and he like to listen to the radio. Also a pair of pajamas. His size is large."

Post Office spokesman Mark Reynolds says the letters started coming in in April. This one comes from the South Side. "I would like Santa Claus to send me a gift card so it can help me with Christmas dinner, because I'm in a wheelchair, and I would like to have a good Christmas this year."

The letters can be found on the mezzanine of the main post office at 433 West Harrison Street, through Christmas Day.

Hours are limited until Monday, November 26, and then the Letters to Santa will be available 24-hours-a-day.

If you're interested in taking a letter and answering it, you will be asked to present I.D. and complete a brief form with your signature.

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

Operation Santa Claus Kicks Off on December 4, 2007

2007-12-01T09:16:00.000-06:00

Operation Santa Claus will open the doors and share “Dear Santa” letters from needy children with the public on December 4, 2007.

Operation Santa Claus is an incredible and very worthy organization that depends entirely upon the good will of volunteers. Operation Santa Claus had its informal start during the 1920's when New York City postal employees pooled their own money to buy gifts for poor children whose letters to Santa ended up in the dead-letter box. As the number of letters grew, the public began to be involved in the effort and now there are chapters of Operation Santa Claus in many American cities and villages.

Individuals, corporations and civic groups are encouraged to contact their local post office for letters. You can obtain the phone number of your local post office by visiting www.usps.gov or call toll free 1-800-ASKUSPS (1-800-275-8777).

If you live in New York, you can pick up letters in person at the James A. Farley Building. The Operation Santa Claus program will commence on Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. and will end on December 23, 2007. You cannot pick up letters on Sundays. If you have any questions about the program please leave a voice mail at 212-330-3000 and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

To read more about this incredible program please visit the following links:

http://operationlettertosanta.com/Pages/santa_tips.htm

http://operationlettertosanta.com/Pages/chapters.htm

We are so looking forward to sharing the Christmas season with you!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

Free Gifts For You From Santa Claus

2007-11-30T07:10:00.000-06:00

Christmas is coming and Operation Letters To Santa has a lot of free gifts for you!

Note: We realize that our website is very large (and we are always adding to it!) so be sure to remember to bookmark the Site Map or use the Google Search function at the top of each page so that you can easily find your way around Santa’s website.

Visit our Advent Calendar where you can click on each day of the month for absolutely lovely free desktop wallpapers to decorate your computer with. These wallpapers are extremely easy to install. Simply choose the image you want for that day, right click and set as your desktop background. There are no annoying popups and they are guaranteed spyware free! You can also watch some great holiday shows while you are visiting these pages. If you are in the mood to enjoy the crisp fall weather, we also have some spectacular Autumn wallpapers for you.
Build A Free Wishlist for Christmas, Your Birthday, Or Any Occasion. Let the world know what you desire. Christmas is that extra special time of year to both give and receive. Now you can create your very own personal wish list and add items from anywhere on the web. This way, you are sure to get exactly what you want for Christmas! Register now!
Free Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year's Stationery Personalize it with your name! Are you ready to begin writing holiday notes to family and friends? Personalize your holiday stationery with your own name, print and mail!

There is so much to see and do on Operation Letters To Santa’s website that we don’t want to overwhelm you so we will be sending you more links in the next few days.

We are so looking forward to sharing the Christmas season with you!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

USA Made Toys

2007-11-26T08:28:00.000-06:00

Toys

If you're looking for USA made natural toys, and wooden toys finished with lead free paints, you're in the right place. Most of Craftsbury Kids toys are made in the USA, Europe and by fair trade cooperatives in South America. Shop here for a selection of wonderful and safe USA made toys.

A Personal Video from Santa

The next best thing for a child to being on Santa’s lap at Christmas time is Santa Claus himself appearing on their television screen, speaking directly to them using their name, sharing some personal information about them and then leading them in singing his favorite Christmas carol. A glossy 6x8 inch personalized full color photo, signed by Santa in a beautiful gold script accompanies this wonderfully produced video message, leaving children completely in awe of Santa’s personal interest in them. The video message is delivered in high-resolution format on a DVD suitable for playback on a DVD player for full screen television viewing or on a personal computer’s DVD-ROM and is available in versions for one child or for two children viewing together.

Printable Games for Holidays and Parties!

Instantly print and play fun Christmas games at ChristmasGamesAtoZ.com! These are perfect for parents, school teachers, babysitters, and anyone looking for a way to share some Christmas spirit. Games include customizable bingo cards, so hosts can even incorporate inside jokes or family pictures into the game card; fun word finds and puzzles, rhyming games and much more! All with colorful illustrations and formatted for quick printing.

We are so looking forward to sharing the Christmas season with you!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

American Made Christmas Trees

2007-11-23T17:56:00.000-06:00

American Made Christmas Trees- Not made in China

Thanksgiving is past and it is time to begin decorating our homes for Christmas.

Christmas Depot not only offers American made Christmas trees, but also has a wonderful program called "ChristmasDepot.com Trees for Troops" that helps spread Christmas cheer to our troops. Everyone who purchases a tree from ChristmasDepot.com will be helping to support this program and enabling Christmas Depot to send these beautiful Christmas trees to our Military personnel overseas for this upcoming season.

These trees are crafted with American pride in the United States utilizing American labor. Experience how superior an American made artificial Christmas tree can be. Only nature can tell the difference.

Operation Letters To Santa applauds Christmas Depot's patriotism and strongly supports their effort to bring Christmas cheer to our men and women in uniform.

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

American-Made Christmas cards and holiday paper products

2007-11-23T14:44:00.000-06:00

We at Operation Letters To Santa are on a hunt for terrific holiday gifts and Christmas decor that are made in the United States. As we locate fabulous gifts that you can be assured are not made in China, we will share that information with you.

Help Tiny Prints Give $50,000 to Charity with Just a Click!

Unique holiday photo cards, baby announcements, party invitations and other fine stationery are festive and thoughtful ways to convey your warm wishes to family, friends and business colleagues this holiday season.

Traditional Christmas cards and holiday cards are an increasingly popular way to express your personalized, festive cheer. With digital communication all around us, mailing beautiful, photo holiday greeting cards and modern party invitations has more meaning than ever.

Tiny Prints also offers a convenient pre-ship envelope service to all customers purchasing birth announcements. They send the announcement envelopes before the actual delivery date, which allows customers to address the envelopes in advance and get them out quicker after the baby is born.

Their cards are of such high quality that packs of 10 fold-over cards, each with a coordinating colored envelope were placed in the Entertainment Weekly Oscar gift bags in 2007.

Be sure to check out their Testimonials page where you will find 100’s of testimonials from satisfied customers, most of whom note not only the great product quality, but the exceptional customer service that they received from Tiny Prints.

Card categories and products include:

Baby Shower Invitations

Baptism & Christening

Birthday Party Invitations

Bar & Bat Mitzvahs

Holiday Parties

Corporate Holiday Parties

Holiday Party Favors

Baby Shower Favors & Gifts

Dogs and Pets

Note: We just found out that Tiny Prints is inviting individuals to visit give.tinyprints.com to help raise up to $50,000 through its first-ever “click-to-donate” campaign. As part of this charitable promotion, Tiny Prints will donate 10 cents every time a visitor clicks one of three participating children’s charities which are "The Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation", "The Ronald McDonald House at Stanford" and "Big Brothers Big Sisters Mass Bay". Each visitor will only have one opportunity to donate. Individuals who participate in this promotion will also be given a shopping code that will allow them to donate 10% of their Tiny Prints holiday order to be split evenly among all three participating charities.

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal. We use all donations to purchase gifts of warm clothing, school supplies, personal care items and Christmas stockings. Thank you for your support!

Toy Safety for Christmas Gift Giving 2007

2007-11-23T11:46:00.000-06:00

Please forward this email!

With the recent “made in China” recalls it is more important than ever to keep your children safe with due diligence by researching toy safety here.

You can also stay informed by signing up to receive direct e-mail notification of recalls at http://www.cpsc.gov

Provided below is a listing of toys that have been recalled in 2007.

To find official U.S. government toy recall listings that are most current and historically complete (dating back to 1974) visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site. Click on recalls and then search by company, date or class of products, e.g. toys.
For a "one stop shop" for all U.S. government recalls visit www.recalls.gov.
To find lists specifically related to lead recalls, please visit the CDC Lead Program Web site.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T13:45:00.000-06:00

The year has turned its circle,

The seasons come and go.

The harvest is all gathered in

And chilly north winds blow.

Orchards have shared their treasures,

The fields, their yellow grain.

So open wide the doorway-

Thanksgiving comes again!

Thanksgiving is all about love, care and giving thanks to your dear ones. In this day we want to thank you for being with us, for helping us to be better, for teaching us the joys of the holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving!

God Bless You and Your Family!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal.

Thanksgiving Breakfast Recipe

2007-11-18T09:05:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving is nigh and although most of us are certainly concentrating on getting our grocery shopping done for the big meal, there is another Thanksgiving day meal that is often overlooked.

In our family, Thanksgiving morning is a very special time when family and close friends gather in our kitchen in jammies or comfortable slouchy clothes for pumpkin scented coffee or hot chocolate. The weather outside is crisp and cool, leaves are blowing and we often grab throws or blankets out of the armoire and sit outside under the covered porch to revel in the glorious weather, sip our hot drink and relax before the day gets crazy. It is the time of year to just sit quietly and rejoice in the day.

While we are visiting outside, the younger members of the family are gathered around the dining room table playing a board game (no television is allowed on this day) or relaxing with a cat near the hearth. The aroma from the kitchen is wonderful, the gorgeous weather is a blessing and breakfast is in the oven, having been prepared the day before.

This very simple, easy and absolutely delicious egg and cheese souffle recipe is our Thanksgiving gift to you. Enjoy!

Cheese Souffle

6 slices white bread with crusts removed

3/4 lb Tallamook cheese, grated

6 eggs

2 cups milk (I use half skim milk and half evaporated milk)

1/2 tsp dried Coleman mustard

1/2 tsp salt

Butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Butter large baking pan (9 x 13)
Remove crusts from bread and butter on one side. Lay buttered side up
Place grated Tillamook cheese on buttered bread
Beat together eggs, milk, mustard and salt
Pour over bread and cheese
Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to one hour, uncovered
Remove from oven when done and let sit for 5 minutes

We serve this with fresh salsa, guacamole and sour cream on the side, also prepared the day before. Add homemade biscuits or croissants fresh from the bakery and you will have a memorable breakfast.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal.

Operation Letters To Santa - Support Our Troops Update

2007-11-18T08:55:00.000-06:00

We at Operation Letters To Santa are very proud of our troops and their families and loved ones who make our continued freedom as individuals and as a nation possible. Our prayers of gratitude are with them daily. Please support them during the holidays and always.

An email is circulating which suggests sending a card to Walter Reed Hospital this Christmas. Although the sentiment is wonderful, the U.S. Postal Service will not accept cards addressed that way because it could provide a means to harm members of the military. Sadly, in modern times, a kind gesture can be a security risk. Cards will be destroyed unopened.

The American Red Cross says they will distribute phone cards, and other small items at Walter Reed, but they do not have the manpower to handle cards. You may send a packet containing a phone card, small packs of candy or CD's to:

American Red CrossWalter Reed Army Medical
Center6900 Georgia Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5000

To read more about it go here.

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

Santa Claus

Operation Letters To Santa

Please help us buy more Christmas gifts for needy children this year by donating via PayPal.