I did this! You have to send them by next week I think, but they’ve also partnered up with ToysRus to have a small online store that ships directly to the family. The letters are only ones sent to a specific Santa address, meant for the operation Santa.
It took awhile to find a letter. Like some of the comments said there’s a lot of expensive stuff on there. But they’re kids. They just want what their friends have. They want to fit in. They’re writing a letter to Santa, who can gift them anything. I tried to cut them some slack for their wishlists.
The most heartbreaking one was a letter that said their house had just been foreclosed on and they had to move. They asked for beds, mattresses, and bedding for their two kids.
The letters can be from anyone. Kids, parents, even just adults without kids. I also appreciated that it wasn’t religious or military affiliated.
The chores solution that works for me is I get up a little earlier for work. Waking up in the morning sucks no matter what time so I don’t even notice the slightly earlier time. By the time I shower and get breakfast I’m ready for the day. So if I have 30 minutes before I need to leave (even 10 or 15) I have time and energy to do a little something. Once I get home from work I’m too dead.
As for gifts, I’ve done everything either online and ship to me or curbside pickup. Actually going into stores and dealing with people is hugely overwhelming. But I can manage being on my phone to get some gifts.
But if you can’t right now, cut yourself some slack. Take care of yourself. If you feel the need to get something, a gift card/certificate can feel a little more personal than cash (though I know people have different, sometimes strong, opinions about this).