Folding it
Cut around the outer line, score along the dashed lines with a ruler and a dry ballpoint, then fold the two sides in, the bottom up and the flap down. Scoring first is the difference between a clean envelope and a creased one, and it takes about ten seconds.
Glue tabs are marked on the side panels. A glue stick is enough. Double sided tape is neater if you have it and does not warp the paper the way wet glue does.
What to write on it
The North Pole address block is printed, with space for a stamp. If you are actually posting the letter, check your national postal service for the current year address and cut-off date, because both change annually, and write the child's full name and address on the back.
If the envelope is for a letter from Santa rather than to him, print the plain flap version and hand-address it to the child. A hand-addressed envelope is a large part of why a Santa letter is believed.
Paper weight
Between 100gsm and 160gsm. Lighter than 100 and the envelope will not hold a shape. Heavier than 160 and the folds crack and the flap will not sit flat. If you only have copier paper, fold it and use a sticker to hold the flap rather than glue.
Questions
- What size letter does the envelope take?
- A folded A4 or US Letter sheet, which is the size every letter template on the site prints at. Fold the letter in three and it slides in without forcing.
- Do I need glue?
- A glue stick or double sided tape on the marked side tabs. On thin paper you can skip glue entirely and hold the flap with a sticker or a wax seal.
- What paper weight works best?
- Between 100gsm and 160gsm. Thinner will not hold its shape, and heavier than 160gsm makes the folds crack and the flap sit badly.
- Is the North Pole address printed on it?
- Yes, as an address block with space for a stamp. If you are posting it for real, check your postal service current year Santa address and cut-off date, since both change every year.