Area children write letters to Santa Claus

Submitted/Area children's letters to Santa for 2009.

Photos: Local letters to Santa

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By Dale Huffman, Staff Writer Updated 2:38 PM Saturday, November 13, 2010

A little girl named Cadence wrote her letter to Santa Claus on Dec. 7 and she shared, “How are you Santa? We got some snow today. I was very excited.”

She continued, “I would like to have a new kitchen for my mom. And Barbie stuff for me. I say my prayers every night and I have been a good girl. I am just 4 and my mom helped me write this letter.”

It is 40 years, this year, that I have been making the trek to the U.S. Post Office in Dayton where postal authorities have granted me permission to peek at the mail addressed to Santa Claus at the

North Pole.

In years past I have spent several days reading the thousands of delightful, love-filled letters which often contained Christmas gift lists for children from all over the Miami Valley.

Alas, times change. And so do customs. I was shocked this year when postal official Lee Withers handed over the mail addressed to Santa.

I counted the letters of Christmas 2009, and there were exactly 96 letters addressed to the grand old gent of Christmas, as of Dec. 18.

“Some letters have been dispatched to local department stores who have special promotional campaigns in progress,” Withers said. “Some families have stopped sending us letters because of privacy issues. And also many of the members of the ‘now-generation’ are sending lists to Santa via the internet.”

I am not one to ignore tradition, and so with permission from postal authorities and with the understanding that I agree not to print home addresses or last names, here are excerpts from the smaller stack of messages to Santa from area children this year .

It is my hope that when you read the letters it will raise your holiday spirits a notch or two, and will add to the joy of the season.

Kailey wrote in her letter to Santa Claus, “I would like to have Spike, the dinosaur. I want a telescope, A Wii radio, and Whoopi Doo.” (You may know, but I have no idea what Whoopi Doo is).”

Landon confessed to Santa, “I am mostly a good boy, but I get a lot of time-outs. I will try to stop growling at my mommy.”

Landon continued, “Thanks for any toys. I will leave some milk and cookies for you since I am sure you will be hungry.”

A boy named John asked Santa for “The Price is Right 2010 software edition” and a “Play Station 4 Game system.”

The first item on Tony’s list was “a real puppy.” He had some other top quality items on his list: Flat TV screen, a lap top, and an autograph of Cincinnati Bengal’s star Chad Ochocinco Johnson.

Tony kindly asked, “By the way, how is Mrs. Claus doing?”

Like many of the children this year Marisa let Santa know that she would love to have a ‘zhu zhu’ pet, and added, “I would also love to get the biggest stuffed elephant in the world.”

A child named Cameron told Santa that a perfect gift would be “a personal TV for my room.” Cameron signed off by telling Santa, “I love you very, very, very much.”

Teya had a short list. “I want a baby doll that cries and laughs,” Teya said. “And I also would like a Hannah Montanna wig.”

Aaron said he would be pleased if Santa could bring him a “helmet with flames.” He would also like an I-Pod “that is black with orange and a guitar. I would like my guitar to be blue, please.”

Maddie had an eye-catching request. She wants a “purple teddy bear and a naked baby.”

Finally, Grace told Santa she just had her ears pierced, and that she would love to have some “fancy, shiny earrings.”

And she added, “Thanks for taking care of all the homeless and the poor kids Santa. I want to be sure and thank you for bringing gifts to children all around the world. That is very kind of you.”

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He’d like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937)

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