There is a Santa Claus, just ask the U.S. Postal Service. How else could kids get letters with a North Pole postmark?

Here are the steps to ensure Santa writes back:

• Have your child write a letter to Santa and place it in an envelope addressed to: Santa Claus, North Pole.
• Later, when alone, open the envelope and write a personalized response.
• Insert the response letter into an envelope and address it to the child.
• Add the return address: SANTA, NORTH POLE, to the envelope.
• Ensure the envelope is affixed with a first-class mail stamp.
• Place the complete envelope into a larger envelope with appropriate postage, and address it to: North Pole Postmark, Postmaster, 4141 Postmark Drive, Anchorage, AK 99530-9998.
• “Letters from Santa” must be received by the Anchorage postmaster no later than Dec. 15.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.