The Real Magic: What Royal Mail Post Office Does with Letters to Santa

Every Christmas, children write heartfelt letters to Santa, hoping for presents and catching the spirit of the season. But what happens to the letters that are entrusted to the Royal Mail Post Office? This article delves into the intriguing process involved in delivering letters to Santa and ensuring a joyful response from the North Pole.

Redirection to Santas' Helpers

Contrary to the common belief that Royal Mail Post Office merely forwards the letters to Santa without any further action, the truth is a bit more enchanting. Letters to Santa are sent to one of Santa's many helpers, not the well-known Santas that people often meet. These helpers are critical because Santa himself is far too busy preparing for the big day. Therefore, he relies on a team of dedicated individuals who ensure all the necessary information is collected from children. The helpers treat their roles with the utmost seriousness, ensuring each letter receives the attention it deserves.

Unique Santa Letter Handling in Exeter

This year, a special aspect of this process is taking place in Exeter, where a younger employee, referred to as an 'Elf', reads and replies to the letters. To facilitate this magical experience, there is a specific post code that sets these letters apart from commercial ones that people might send through Facebook or other online portals.

Post Office Guidelines

Typically, the Royal Mail and General Post Office (GPO) follow strict guidelines for processing letters to Santa. However, this year, the mail redirection process is providing a different experience, prompting visitors to websites to view a warning about industrial action. This unusual twist highlights the ever-changing nature of postal services during festive seasons.

Special Show at GPO Dublin

On a lighter note, the GPO in Dublin is getting into the Christmas spirit with a special Christmas show. While this might seem like a small gesture, it's a heartening sign that postal services are doing their best to maintain the festive traditions during times of change.

Handling at the Local Level

For serious letters that deserve serious consideration, the process takes a different turn. These letters are forwarded to local district offices where a team of 'Santa’s helpers' work to answer them. Some letters receive a nuanced response, such as bailing out a young philanthropist from including money in their letter, as Santa doesn't need funds. Other letters, like those asking for a pony, are handled with the same level of care, ensuring the child's wishes are given due thought and consideration.

A Global Effort to Help Kids

In a broader context, the letters not only bring joy to children but also serve a greater purpose. Letters that don't receive an immediate response can be forwarded to local churches, charities, and other organizations where they help distribute gifts to underprivileged children. Each year, this initiative takes place, providing an opportunity for people to participate in the magic of the holiday season by supporting a child in need.

Conclusion

The intricate process involved in managing letters to Santa by the Royal Mail Post Office exemplifies the blend of tradition and modernity. From the careful handling by dedicated helpers to the global effort to support underprivileged children, these activities add layers of meaning to the simple act of sending a letter to Santa.

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For further information on how you can contribute to this magical process or to learn more about the postal services during the festive season, visit the Royal Mail website or contact your local post office.