MINT HILL, NC – Letters to Santa are a memory that most adults and kids have. Each holiday families and friends gather to write and send letters to Santa, each of us hoping to make the “nice list” and that our wish list will come through. 2020 was a different year all on its own, so many traditions and celebrations this year will look different, but one tradition that Mint Hill Town Hall did not want to see changed was the traditional letters to Santa. The town decided to place a mailbox outside of Town Hall with a direct connection to the North Pole.

People really got in the holiday spirit with their kids this year. Writing letters to Santa was a great way to kick off the holiday. With many celebrations being canceled and activities put on hold, this was a perfect  way to join together as a family and get a letter directly to Santa. Each letter that was mailed to Santa at the mailbox with a return address received a personalized letter in response. These letters were a complete success with the children throughout the community. “What a wonderful way to spread cheer and keep the magic of Christmas alive this year!” said Erica Larter.  “My son was so excited to get a handwritten letter back from Santa and was amazed that he was on the nice list!”

Many responses were posted all over social media, and we had the pleasure of putting a collection together along with quotes from the local community. Sheryl Smith, Assistant to the Town Manager, said “This has been such a fun project. Christmas 2020 is nothing like normal, but our goal was to make it as special as possible for the kids in Mint Hill. We have received over 200 letters to Santa. I am so glad the kids are enjoying hearing from Santa.”

The Mayor of Mint Hill was very pleased with the impact that this project had on kids all over the community.  “Our goal is to always make Christmas a magical time for the children of Mint Hill,” he said. “This year, we couldn’t gather for the Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade. Kids couldn’t visit Santa, so a personalized letter from Santa was the next best thing. We hope it brought joy to all the good boys and girls.” This was an understatement. Just from looking at the pictures the joy on each of their little faces says it all.

Below is a small collection of photos and quotes from senders and receivers. These letters were such a small gesture that has turned into a huge success.

“Skylar was so excited that there was a mailbox to send her letter to Santa, even more excited to receive a response to her letter! She said,  ‘I will keep this forever.'” – Jinna Farrar Bryant

“Tripp was very excited to ‘mail’ his letter to Santa. Thank you, Mint Hill, for creating a safe alternative for our children to keep the magic of Christmas alive during these difficult times.” – Jennifer Starnes Martyak

“Her first ever letter to Santa thanks to the kindness of our Town.” – Don Nicholas

“Austin and Grady were so excited to mail their letters. We’re grateful to the town of Mint Hill for continuing to find fun, creative ways for all of us to celebrate during such a difficult year.” – Hilary Tureski Hall

“Emma asked for a mini Minnie Mouse (because she has a tiny Mickey Mouse and he needs a best friend) and three stuffed animals – a dog, bunny, and cat. And she wants carrots for the bunny ’cause it will be hungry.'” – Kiersten Clay