What makes a reply convincing
Three details, and no more. Name the specific thing the child asked for, mention something they did this year that only a family member would know, and refer to something in the house: the dog, the tree, the broken gate. A letter with three specifics beats a long one with none.
Do not promise anything. The one way a letter from Santa causes real trouble is by confirming a present that does not then arrive. Say that you have read the letter and that you are glad they asked, which is warm without committing.
The handwriting
Children compare handwriting. Use a different pen, write slightly larger than usual and slope the other way if you can manage it without looking laboured. Older handwriting styles help: a looped letter g, a crossed 7, a capital I with serifs.
If your handwriting is distinctive enough that none of this will help, use the typed template instead. A typed letter from Santa is entirely plausible and much safer.
Headed paper options
Three headers: a plain North Pole heading, one with a postmark style stamp, and one with a decorative frame. All three leave at least twelve ruled lines of writing space. The signature at the bottom prints in a script face and can be switched off if you would rather sign it yourself.
Questions
- What should a letter from Santa say?
- Name the specific thing the child asked for, mention something they did this year, and refer to something in the house. Three details are more convincing than a long general letter.
- Should the letter promise a present?
- No. Confirming a gift that then does not arrive is the one way this goes wrong. Say you have read the letter and are glad they wrote, which is warm without committing to anything.
- Will my child recognise my handwriting?
- Possibly. Use a pen you never use, write larger than normal and try an older letter style. If your hand is very distinctive, use the typed Santa letter template instead.
- Is the signature printed or do I sign it?
- Either. A script signature prints at the bottom by default, and you can switch it off and sign the letter yourself.