It might only be May, but in some homes the Christmas list has already started. A toy spotted in a shop, a game mentioned by a friend or a sudden idea at bedtime can all earn an early place on the list for Father Christmas.
So when should children start writing their Christmas list? There is no single right date. Starting early can be fun, but the best lists usually grow and change with the child rather than being written once and forgotten.
Is May Too Early to Start a Christmas List?
Not necessarily. An early list can simply be a place to collect ideas. It does not need to become a final request to Santa six months before Christmas.
Keeping a running list can also help parents spot which wishes last beyond the excitement of the moment. Something still being talked about in October may mean rather more than something added after seeing an advert in May.
Let the List Change as Christmas Gets Closer
Children's interests can change quickly. Rather than treating an early list as final, revisit it every few weeks and let children add, remove or reorder their wishes.
This can turn the list into part of the build-up to Christmas rather than simply a catalogue of presents.
A Christmas List Can Include More Than Presents
Encourage children to think beyond toys. They might include a family activity, a book to read together, something creative or even a Christmas wish for somebody else.
When the time comes to turn those ideas into a proper message, our guide to writing a letter to Santa has ideas for achievements, questions, drawings and Christmas wishes.
When Should the Final List Go to Santa?
For many families, autumn feels like the natural time. School is back, Christmas starts appearing in the shops and children have had time to decide which early wishes still matter.
At Santa Letter Direct, our Dear Santa letters begin being sent from 1 October, giving children a lovely prompt to sit down and write their Christmas wishes.
What Should Children Put on Their Christmas List?
There are no rules, but encouraging a mixture of ideas can make writing the list more interesting. Children might include:
- A few presents they would really love.
- A book, game or activity they could enjoy for longer.
- Something connected to a hobby or interest.
- A Christmas experience they would like to have with the family.
- A question or message they would like to send to Santa.
It can also be fun to look back at an earlier list before writing the next one. The things children ask for can change remarkably quickly as they grow up.
Keep a Copy of Their Christmas List
Before the finished list heads off to the North Pole, take a photograph or scan it.
Children's handwriting, drawings, spelling and favourite things change so quickly that a Christmas list can become a surprisingly lovely childhood keepsake.
We explored this idea in our article about what happens to letters sent to Santa after Christmas.
Make the List Part of the Tradition
There is no prize for starting first or waiting until December. The best time is whenever writing the list becomes enjoyable for your family.
Start a little list in May if the ideas are already coming. Add to it through summer. Revisit it in autumn. Then, when Christmas really begins to feel close, turn those wishes into a letter ready for the North Pole.