In Lapland home, Santa prepares for Christmas

Santa Claus rides in his sleigh as he prepares for Christmas in the Arctic Circle near Rovaniemi, Finland, December 15, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

ROVANIEMI, Finland - At Santa Claus' Lapland home in Finland, his helpers sort out piles of letters from around the world, each detailing children's requests for this Christmas.

In English, Italian or other languages, youngsters' handwriting adorn the envelopes addressed to Father Christmas, some decorated with colorful hearts and stars.

As the holiday nears, every day is busy for Santa's team in Rovaniemi, which calls itself his official hometown, near the Arctic Circle.

"Santa Claus is getting more and more popular, he receives about half a million letters every year from all around the world," Elina, who works as a postal elf, said.

"We are busy here in Santa Claus' main post office at the Arctic Circle to help him open all the letters and get all the wishes ready for Christmas."