As the letter burns, the smoke sends the ashes up the chimney, where Santa collects them to miraculously reassemble the letter. It appears to be a ritual for some and the method through which Santa letters are "sent out." The practice of burning letters to Santa began in the 1930s when postal regulations prohibited the mailing of gifts with attached notes because it was assumed that young children would try to send messages themselves by writing to Santa Claus. Parents believed that by burning their letters they could ensure that their wishes would be granted by Santa. Children were told that by sending their letters wrapped in colored paper on Christmas Eve, they would reach Santa faster. Some kids even put postage stamps on their letters so Santa would travel more quickly through the mail. Parents still burn letters to Santa today as a way to release their child's wish list. The theory is that if you can't write a good letter then don't worry about it. Your kid will have to make do with toys or clothes present from family members or friends instead. Burning letters to Santa isn't without risk. If fire starts during letter burning, it can spread causing serious damage to property and/or injuries to people. In fact, burning letters is one of the most common causes of house fires among children during the holidays.