USPS Opens Operation Santa Registration for 2026 Holiday Season

The United States Postal Service has opened registration for its annual Operation Santa program, inviting volunteers to fulfill holiday wishes for children and families. The initiative pairs donors with recipients through handwritten letters, a tradition that dates back to 1912. Volunteers must complete a registration form and pass an ID verification process to secure their place in the program.

Sheila Holman, the USPS vice president of marketing, noted that the volume of letters often exceeds the number of available volunteers. She stated, "Every year we receive thousands of letters filled with holiday wishes, often outnumbering available adopters." Holman encouraged local companies and organizations to form teams to adopt multiple households, allowing groups to share the effort and the holiday spirit.

Once approved, adopters can browse letters from families across the United States and select one to fulfill. Gifts can be purchased through Santa’s Gift Shoppe, a partnership between USPS and Toys "R" Us, or bought in person. The shop is available online for convenient ordering.

To ensure delivery before Christmas, all gifts must be shipped by December 12. Xavier Hernandez, a USPS communications specialist, described the current effort as the most expansive iteration of the program to date. He said, "This is the most expansive program that we've done so far." The expanded reach allows participation from across the country.

Registration is open now on the Operation Santa website. Families in need can send their letters to Santa, and volunteers can begin the adoption process immediately to prepare for the upcoming holiday season.