Pen pals with Santa Claus

Children who post their Christmas wish lists to the North Pole can receive a personalised reply from Father Christmas himself.

Albany Post Office is inviting local children to send their wish lists early this year to receive a reply before Christmas Day.

As part of Australia Post’s Santa Mail initiative last year, more than 130,000 letters and wish lists were sent in by children from all over Australia.

Jennifer Coleman, from the Albany Post Office, said Santa Mail was all about teaching kids how to write and address letters at an exciting time of year.

“It’s a great family activity to share,” she said.

“You can pop into the post office and pick up one of our free Santa Mail postcards.”

Children are able to follow their letter’s progress via Australia Post’s interactive Santa Mail tracker online. Avery Coleman, 5, posted her letter on Tursday and is excited about getting a reply from Father Christmas.

“I wished for a pair of sparkly shoes and I wrote ‘I love you’ and drew a picture of Santa,” she said.

Children can send their letters to Santa, North Pole, 9999with a Christmas stamp and their name and address on the back. Letters can be placed in the Santa Mail box at the Albany Post Office or in any red street post box.