Zingg family continues Santa letter exchange tradition

For about a decade, the Zingg family of Canyon Lake has been delivering a special holiday tradition: receiving letters to Santa Claus and responding back. Over the years, the number of letters has grown significantly, from about 15 in their first year to a remarkable 123 last year.

Santa’s mailbox, located in front of the Zingg’s home at 23211 Canyon Lake Dr N, welcomes letters from individuals of all ages, ranging from as young as 6 months to over 50 years old. Some letters even come with delightful additions like candy canes or pictures, enhancing the joy of this festive exchange.

Every letter is read with great care, and Santa makes it a point to send a personalized response to each sender who includes a name and address. The deadline for sending letters is Dec. 18, ensuring that each writer receives their reply in time for Christmas.

Among the many letters Santa receives, some stand out for their selflessness, with writers asking for gifts not for themselves but for others. Brenda Zingg recalls a particularly touching request from a child who wished for more work for their mother to ease her stress.

For those who don’t live in the area, letters can be emailed to brendalou@coldwellbankerab.com, and Santa will still respond. Brenda has received various forms of gratitude, including pictures and videos of children either mailing their letters or opening Santa’s response.

Parents have also reached out privately, asking Brenda to ensure that Santa sends a letter to their child, sometimes to help them believe in the magic of Christmas for one more year. Special requests have also been made for children unable to write due to special needs, to which Santa lovingly responds.