The story behind emailSanta.com, the millions of letters children have sent Santa, and the Dear Santa books has attracted media attention in Canada and around the world.
From national television to newspapers and radio, these stories explore emailSanta.com, the real letters that inspired the Dear Santa books, and Alan Kerr's nearly three decades helping children connect with Santa online.
Background, fast facts, story ideas, book information, media resources and previous coverage for journalists, producers, editors, podcasters and other media.
Working on deadline? Email [email protected] for interview requests and additional information.
emailSanta.com began in Calgary and Thunder Bayduring the 1997 Canada Post strike, when Alan Kerr created a simple but magical way for his young niece and nephews to send their letters to Santa online. Word spread quickly.
Created after a Canada Post strike prevented Kerr's young relatives from mailing their letters to Santa.
More than 1,000 messages arrived through word of mouth in the site's first few weeks.
emailSanta.com receives slightly more than one million emails every year.
The site has received messages from more than 200 countries worldwide.
Children can write to Santa and receive an immediate personalized reply without paying to send the letter.
In 2026, emailSanta.com is celebrating 29 years online.
Background facts summarized from the official emailSanta.com About and Press Kit pages.
The story is far bigger than a Christmas book. emailSanta.com's history provides several timely angles for holiday, family, technology, education and human-interest coverage.
A 1997 Canada Post strike inspired a quick family solution that grew into a global Christmas website.
Decades of letters offer a funny, touching window into children's wishes, worries, families and imaginations.
Vol. II collects confessions, excuses, sibling accusations and other mischievous letters from Santa's inbox.
emailSanta.com has connected an old holiday ritual with changing generations of children and Internet technology since 1997.
The site was designed to ask for very little personal information and reminds children to check with an adult before sharing information online.
When children disclose serious personal problems, emailSanta.com creates special responses, including referrals to help resources and, in extreme cases, working with law enforcement.
Alan Kerr created emailSanta.com in Calgary in 1997 after a Canada Post strike left his young niece and nephews unable to mail their Christmas letters to Santa. What began as a simple solution for his family received more than 1,000 messages in only a few weeks.
Kerr became known as Santa's Head Elf while developing and operating the site. The letters children sent through emailSanta.com eventually inspired Dear Santa, Letters to emailSanta.com, a series curated from Santa's extraordinary inbox.
The Dear Santa series brings real letters from Santa's online inbox into print, preserving the humour, heart and wonderfully unexpected things people tell Santa.
More than 1,000 genuine children's letters to Santa.
Softcover: 6″ × 9″
ISBN: 978-1-0698768-0-5
eBook ISBN: 978-1-0698768-1-2
More than 1,000 real letters featuring confessions, excuses, mischief and Naughty List moments.
Softcover: 6″ × 9″
ISBN: 978-1-0698768-2-9
eBook ISBN: 978-1-0698768-3-6
The books are curated from letters genuinely submitted through emailSanta.com.
Families opt in to allow letters to be shared. Identifying details are removed or changed where necessary to protect privacy.
Children's privacy and well-being have been part of emailSanta.com's operating approach since its early years. The site deliberately asks for as little personal information as possible: last names, phone numbers, street addresses and email addresses are not required for a child to write Santa.
The Press Kit also describes procedures for difficult messages from children. In less serious situations, children can be directed toward appropriate help resources. In extreme situations involving a child's well-being, emailSanta.com has worked with law-enforcement agencies.
Kerr has consulted child psychologists, parent focus groups, professional Santa performers and law enforcement officers about messages sent to children through the site.
For complete wording and safety guidance, see the official emailSanta.com Press Kit.
Need artwork, background information or an interview? These resources are intended to make deadline work easier.
Book descriptions, ISBNs, covers, retailer information and background on both volumes.
Book WebsiteDetailed history, safety information, site features, statistics and background from emailSanta.com.
Open Press KitThe Christmas story behind the site's creation and its history since 1997.
Read the StoryHigh-resolution cover artwork can be supplied to media for stories about the books.
Request CoversPublication-ready photos can be supplied for print, online and broadcast coverage.
Request PhotosRequest an interview about emailSanta.com, children's letters, the books, Christmas technology or related topics.
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Looking for a Christmas story, an interview with Santa's Head Elf, background on emailSanta.com, or information about the real letters behind the Dear Santa books? Media inquiries are welcome.
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