On this page
A note from Santa has been a holiday tradition for generations, and a mailed letter is the classic version: an envelope with a special stamp, a child's name in curly writing and a page they can hold. Today there is another option, a short personalized video where Santa speaks to your child by name. Both can delight a child. They just work differently.
This is a general comparison of the two ideas, so you can pick the one that fits your family.
The quick version
- A traditional mailed letter is something to hold, keep and tuck in a keepsake box. It arrives through the mailbox, on the postal service's schedule.
- A personalized Santa video message is about 30 seconds of Santa speaking to your child. It arrives as a private link to watch and download, so it can be seen the moment it lands.
Neither is better in every case. The right pick depends on your child, your timing and what you want to keep.
What a mailed letter does well
- It is tangible
- Children, especially younger ones, love real objects. An envelope with their name on it can feel like proof that Santa knows who they are.
- It builds anticipation
- Watching the mailbox every afternoon becomes part of the fun. For some families, the waiting is the best part.
- It is a keepsake
- Paper tucks neatly into a scrapbook or a holiday box. Years later, a child can pull it out and read it again.
- It works for early readers
- A child who is just learning to read can sound out the words and feel proud.
Where a mailed letter can be tricky
Timing depends on the mail
Holiday mail can be busy, and delivery dates are not always predictable. If you are planning for a specific morning, it can be hard to promise.
Reading level matters
A pre-reader needs a parent to read it aloud, and a very long note can lose a young child's attention.
It is less lively
A page cannot change its tone, smile or say your child's name in a warm voice.
Spoiler risk
A letter sitting in the mailbox can be spotted by older siblings or opened by accident before you intended.
What a video message does well
- You see and hear Santa
- A real-beard Santa in a velvet suit speaks directly to your child. For a child who wonders what Santa sounds like, this answers the question.
- It is quick to get
- Orders are open now. Delivery starts Dec 10 and is within 3 days of your order after that, with the last order date on Dec 21. That makes it a good fit when time is short. See last-minute Christmas surprise: Santa message.
- It is easy to share
- The private link can be watched and downloaded, and you can send it to people you trust.
- It is easy to rewatch
- A 30 second video suits a toddler who wants to see it again and again.
- It does not need a reading level
- A child of any age can enjoy it, including pre-readers.
Where a video message can be tricky
It is on a screen
Some families prefer a screen-free object for Christmas morning. If so, you could watch it together once and then put the device away.
It is short
About 30 seconds means it is a sweet hello, not a long story.
It is digital
If you want something to print or frame, a screenshot can help, but a video is not the same as a paper keepsake.
Side by side
Format
- Letter: paper, held in the hands
- Video message: a clip to watch and download
Speed
- Letter: depends on mail service
- Video message: delivered starting Dec 10, within 3 days of ordering after that
Interaction
- Letter: read quietly or aloud
- Video message: Santa speaks to your child by name
Keepsake
- Letter: a physical item
- Video message: a file you can save and replay
Best for
- Letter: families who love the mailbox ritual and have time
- Video message: families who want to hear Santa and have a flexible or short timeline
How to choose for your child
- 1
A toddler or preschooler
a video message usually holds attention better, because they respond to voice and faces. Watch it with a parent beside them.
- 2
An early reader
a letter can be a thrill, and a video can be a fun addition.
- 3
A child who is curious or doubtful
hearing Santa speak can feel more personal. For older kids, a live call may be a better fit, since it is a real conversation.
- 4
A child with a tight timeline
a video message is easier to plan around.
Using both
There is no rule against combining the two ideas. Many families mix traditions, for example an old-fashioned note from a relative and a Santa video message on Christmas morning. If you decide to do this, be consistent in what you tell your child, so the story hangs together. You can see more ideas in Santa message: the Christmas morning reveal.
What about a live call?
If you want your child to talk to Santa instead of just watching, the live Santa video call is a different experience. It is a 10 minute, one-on-one conversation on Google Meet, offered Nov 28 to Dec 24, 2026, at limited times. Compare the two in Santa video call vs. pre-recorded Santa video.
Tips for a great video message
Share specific details
Your child's name, age and a wish or two make the message feel personal.
Choose the moment
Christmas morning, a bedtime surprise or a quiet weekend afternoon all work.
Watch together
Sit beside your child and let them react.
Keep the device handy for a rewatch
Short videos are made for replays.
Save the file
Download it so you can find it again next year.
Pricing
The video message is $19, paid when you order. Other details are on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
How fast do I get the video message?
Orders are open now, and delivery starts Dec 10. From then on, your message is delivered within 3 days of your order, and the last order date is Dec 21.
Can I watch the video more than once?
Yes. You get a private link to watch and download, so you can replay it as often as you like.
Is the video message the same as a live call?
No. The message is about 30 seconds and one-way, while the live call is a 10 minute, one-on-one conversation.
Can I share the link with family?
You can share the private link with people you trust.