He's making a list, he's checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty and nice...

The countdown to Christmas has begun, and children across Huddersfield will be writing their letters to Santa Claus.

But did you know you can arrange for them to receive a letter — or even a personal video message — from the man in red himself?

Or track Santa's progress online as he delivers Christmas presents around the world?

Here's some ideas for free festive magic:

Get a free letter from Santa

Royal Mail has created an address for children to send their Christmas letters to — and receive a card from Santa in reply.

Youngsters can write to: Santa/Father Christmas, Santa's Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ.

Letters must include the child's full name and address and posted in a stamped envelope by Saturday November 6.

Royal Mail try to respond to as many letters as possible but replies are not guaranteed.


A letter makes its Christmas journey
A letter makes its Christmas journey

The NSPCC also offers personalised letters from Santa for children for a suggested donation of £5. Visit the website to create your letter before Monday December 15.

For blind children, letters in Braille, audio letters or large print letters are available from the Royal National Institute for the Blind. Write to Santa Claus, RNIB, PO Box 173, Peterborough, PE2 6WS by Monday December 1, or email santa@rnib.org.uk by Friday December 19 for an email letter.

Watch a personalised video message from the man in red

What's more magical than a letter from Santa? A video message from Santa!

The Portable North Pole website creates free personalised online video messages, around four minutes long, which can include a photograph of the recipient. Just visit their website, answer the questions about the recipient, and email the video to them (or to your own account, if it's for a young child).

Click below to watch a sample video

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Track Santa's present-delivering journey around the world

From December 1, youngsters can check on Santa's progress on the Norad Tracks Santa website, which tracks Santa's sleigh as he delivers presents to good boys and girls around the world on Christmas Eve. The free website also features festive games in Santa's village. Watch Santa as he flies around the world — and wait for him to reach the UK.

Norad allows you to tracl Santa's present-delivering progress
Norad allows you to tracl Santa's present-delivering progress

Watch Santa abseil down Huddersfield Library at this year's Christmas lights switch on

Looking for some more Christmas magic? You're in luck — the festive Coca Cola truck is coming to Huddersfield!