In the heart of a small German town named Himmelpfort, the joy of the holiday season is well underway. Approaching Christmas week, the local post office has already collected over 200,000 wish letters – a figure almost identical to that of previous years. Open until the 24th, the post office invites children from all corners of the globe to share their wishes with the jolly old man himself.
Last year, Santa's mailbox received over 310,000 letters from 60 different countries. The delightful replies from Kris Kringle and his team of 20 Christmas angels are then sent out globally via the Hennigsdorf mail center, carrying a unique postmark that marks their festival journey.
As the letters pile up, the Christmas elves get to work processing the eager messages throughout the week. Santa Claus himself visits the post office every Thursday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., welcoming the kids with open arms and graciously accepting their holiday wish lists.
Interacting with Santa at the Himmelpforter post office is an age-old custom for many children, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. Each St. Nicholas Eve, the children eagerly count the days until their colorful reply letters arrive, decorating their homes in anticipation.
Himmelpfort's history, steeped in lignite mining for over 150 years, adds a one-of-a-kind flavor to the town's holiday festivities. Part of this jolly setup includes Santa's grotto, where kids can engage directly with the holiday hero, heightening the overall experience.
The tradition of sending wish letters to Santa in the local post office kitches up a sense of excitement and anticipation among children. The thoughtful, personalized replies from Santa serve to keep the magic of Christmas alive and well, leaving the young ones with unforgettable memories.
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