Near downtown Mount Dora, where twinkling lights and festive cheer make it a magical Christmas town, a simple red mailbox brings joy to children and families each holiday season. Since 2018, the “Letters to Santa” mailbox has sat outside Linda Bokland’s home for kids to turn in their letters to Santa. Linda and her team of elves then go to work replying to each child.

Kids drop off their letters for Santa

But this year, something is missing—one of Santa’s elves.

For years, Linda Bokland and her partner, Jeanette Bokland, shared the magic of this tradition. Together, they transformed an accident into a cherished community tradition, ensuring every child who dropped off a letter received a personalized reply from Mrs. Claus.

Jeanette and Linda Bokland

Jeanette’s loss to cancer earlier this year leaves Linda carrying on the tradition, though Jeanette’s memory remains present in every red envelope and carefully crafted reply.

“Every year, when Jeanette and I worked together on the Santa mailbox, it was a cherished tradition that brought us both into the Christmas spirit,” Linda says. “Now, as December 19th marks eight months since her passing, this tradition feels even more significant. The Santa mailbox has been a source of comfort and therapy for me and for a few of our dedicated elves, who have shared similar sentiments this year. It’s a reminder of the joy, magic, and wonder that this season brings—not just to children but to everyone who is young at heart. As long as I am able, I will continue this tradition in her honor. If the day comes when I can no longer carry it on, I will gladly donate the mailbox to the city so that the magic can continue to bring smiles and dreams to future generations. Jeanette’s spirit lives on through the joy we see in every letter and every child’s belief in the magic of Christmas.”

Jeanette Bokland

The mailbox project actually began by accident after they put up a decorative prop that unexpectedly became a place where kids were dropping off letters.  As handwritten notes piled up year after year, Linda and Jeanette recognized the magic they had stumbled upon. “The letters just kept coming,” Jeanette had said in years past. “We had to make sure they got answered.”

Families can still drop letters to Santa in the bright red mailbox until December 20, and no postage is necessary. With Saint Nick busy at the North Pole, Mrs. Claus will personally reply to every letter that includes a return address.

For those who wish to participate, the mailbox can be found at 201 W. 11th Avenue in Mount Dora. Santa’s elves, even the ones we dearly miss, are always listening.