This week, the Santa Claus, Indiana post office revealed it’s official postmark for the 2011 holiday season.  Each year the picture postmark is designed by one talented, local high school art student as part of an annual contest. 

This special holiday postmark is only available December 1st thru 24th and will be retired, never to be used again.  Many postal patrons traditionally drive hundreds of miles to personally hand cancel their holiday mail with this unique picture postmark. 

This special postmark has been a tradition each holiday season since 1983.  The Santa Claus, Indiana post office is the only post office in the world with the Santa Claus namesake.

Don’t live within driving distance of the Santa Claus, Indiana post office?  No worries!  Purchase a letter from Santa  from Imaginary Greetings and we will hand cancel Santa’s letter with this year’s special postmark for you!

Ingredients

1/2 c. butter, softened

1 c. plus 1 tbsp. sugar, divided

2 eggs

1 c. mashed ripe banana

2/3 c. peanut butter

1 tbsp. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 c. all purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 c. miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream butter and 1 cup of the sugar until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in the bananas, peanut butter, milk and vanilla.  Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; add to the creamed mixture just until moistened.  Fold in chocolate chips.
• Fill paper-filled mini muffin cups 3/4 full.  Sprinkle with remaining sugar.  Bake at 350 for 14-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.  Serve warm.  Approximately 36 servings.

Maggie S. wants to know if Santa has any new toys in production for this year…

Addie C. of Littleton, Colorado sent in this bright and colorful picture for Santa.  This would make a great nameplate for Santa’s door!

Ian D. of Cumming, Georgia has lots of questions for Santa…

Shelby S. of  Texas wants to know how Santa travels all around the world in just 24 hours…

Madison H. of Lake Tonawanda, New York wants to know if Bernard the Elf is doing his job!

Tracie, Ray & Eric of Canada have all tried their best to be pleasant and understanding to everyone they meet in hopes that Santa will visit them this year.