(WGHP) — This is Dear Santa Letter Week (Nov. 10-16). It officially started in 1912 when the U.S. Postmaster General called for the postal service to handle letters to Santa. Those letters have become part of a holiday tradition in American families, but it turns out, those letters are more than just a wish list for Santa. In Mommy Matters, five benefits to children writing a letter to Santa. All your parenting woes tackled on Mommy Matters First, writing those letters helps a child practice their handwriting. With text and email so prevalent now, children spend less time with pen and paper, so this is a good way to practice penmanship. Before your child starts writing, tell them to prioritize their list for Santa. That will help them learn to make lists and will show you which gift they believe is most important. Writing Santa can help your child learn to count their blessings. Suggest your child start their letter by thanking Santa for what they received last year. That will remind them about what they already have. Writing to Santa also creates a lasting Christmas memory. Children will remember that year they wrote and asked Santa for a bike or a special toy.  Finally, writing letters to Santa gets your family into the Christmas spirit. Encourage the children to include drawings for Santa, or put stickers on their letter. They can get creative, and you can enjoy some quiet time. You can send those letters through USPS Operation Santa. From now through December 9, send letters addressed to: Santa 123 Elf Road. North Pole, 88888 Include your child's full name and return address on the envelope. Santa may write back!