By Meg Hilling

Posted: Nov 19, 2025 / 01:19 PM EST

Updated: Nov 19, 2025 / 01:51 PM EST

In heartwarming news for the holiday season, the U.S. Postal Service has announced the return of its cherished “Operation Santa.” This initiative, which has been running for over a century, offers a meaningful way for individuals to spread joy during the festive season.

Each year, USPS collaborates with dedicated employees and volunteers to ensure that letters addressed to Santa Claus receive a response. Through this program, volunteers can anonymously “adopt” letters from individuals in need, helping to fulfill their holiday wishes. By partnering with USPS, these volunteers work to deliver the requested gifts, ensuring that the magic of Christmas reaches far and wide.

“Every year, we receive far more letters than those adopting. So, if you have the means, we encourage you to adopt a letter,” said Sheila Holman, USPS vice president of marketing.

Starting this year, USPS announced it is putting a special emphasis on family letters to ensure those from the same household are adopted and fulfilled together.

Volunteers can work as teams to address a family’s letters. Team members can claim a letter from the family who speaks to them and invite others to adopt the remainder. The approach is designed for offices, teams and community groups looking to make an impact.

Letter adopters can send gifts directly from the website’s online catalog, with free shipping on orders over $49. Those looking to become involved are asked to have gifts shipped no later than Dec. 13, to ensure gifts arrive on time.