Bpost opens annual Saint Nicholas postal service

Bpost has opened its annual ‘Saint Secretariat’ where children can send their letter to Saint Nicholas. The saint receives an average of 300,000 letters each year, bpost reported on Wednesday.

The address to receive a response in French is Rue du Paradis 1, 0612 Ciel. In Dutch it's Spanjestraat 1, 0612 Hemel.

"Young or old, anyone who sends a note, drawing or craft to Saint Nicholas will get an answer this year thanks to the Saint Helpers at Bpost," says the postal company.

Children who send a letter get a note and a surprise from the Saint back. "The Bpost staff at the secretariat and the postmen take care of this on their own."

Notes sent before 29 November will receive a reply around 6 December. The letters to Saint Nicholas should not be franked. Your address must be clearly readable on the back of the envelope or in the letter.

The letters can be sent via the 2,000-plus special Saint Letterboxes, spread all over the country. These are classic red letterboxes that are 'dressed up' for the occasion with a mitre and a white beard. The address of Saint Nicholas is also listed on these mailboxes.