how to write a letter to santa.... that gets results

Before you mail your letter to Santa, I have a few tips that could increase your chances of getting what you want this year. (You're welcome.)

How to write a persuasive letter:

Whether you’re asking Santa for a new LEGO set or appealing for sponsorships for a holiday fundraiser, the principles of a persuasive letter (aka: sales letter) are basically the same.

Let's break them down...

❄️ Start with a hook

Santa gets millions of letters each year. The big guy is busy. He has lists to check (twice!!), a workshop to manage, and reindeer to prep, so your opening line has to hook him right away. 

Instead of starting your letter with a boring old “Dear Santa,” like everyone else, try something like…

Hey Santa, am I interrupting your slaying and sleighing? 🔥 

That’s definitely going to get his attention.

❄️ Know your audience

After you get Santa's eyeballs on your letter, you can keep him reading by making him feel like you care about him. 

This is a letter to Santa Claus, not an Instacart order. Even though you're making a list of things you want, you can make it about him, so he doesn't feel like a git vending machine. 

I know you’re busy, especially this time of year, and I value your time, so I’ll keep this brief.

This makes Santa feel like you put some thought into what’s going on in his life when you wrote your letter, which will make him more likely to grant your wish.

❄️ Be specific 

Asking Santa for "toys" or "stuff" is too generic. We’ve already established that Santa is busy, so don’t make him work any harder than he has to. For example...

For Christmas, I would love to have someone clean my house every week for a year.

Tell the jolly old elf exactly what you want.

❄️ What’s in it for him?

You’ve told Santa the “what,” now tell him the “why.”

Say something like:

A clean house will make me a happier, more productive member of society, which aligns with your mission of spreading joy and peace. I’ll have more time to focus on my family and my work…

Now you’ve given Santa some context while pulling on his heartstrings and making your ask feel bigger than just stuff. 

❄️ Express gratitude

Santa loves a grateful heart, so don’t forget to include a little appreciation in your letter. 

Thanks Santa! I appreciate you.

It can be as simple as that!

Now that we've looked at the different elements of a compelling persuasive letter, here's how it looks in action...

Hey Santa, hate to interrupt your slaying and sleighing!

I know you’re busy, especially this time of year, and I value your time, so I’ll keep this brief.

This year, I would like someone to clean my house every week for a year.

A clean house will make me a happier, more productive member of society, which aligns with your mission of spreading joy and peace.

I’ll have more time to focus on my family and my work and things that bring me joy.

Thank you for everything you do to make the world a brighter place.

Love JL xo

PS: What do you want for Christmas, Santa? If you write back and tell me, I’ll do my best to have it under the tree for you.

To recap:

Whether you’re writing a letter to Santa, a potential client, or a politician, the communication strategy is the same…

Know your reader

Grab their attention

Speak to their emotions

Be specific in your ask

Always, always say thank you

Encourage engagement by giving your reader a reason to reply

Santa’s got a lot on his cookie plate, but with a little charm, creativity, and strategy, your letter will be one that makes him smile and might just get you the something you’ve been wishing for.

Now, what’s on your wish list this year? 🎄