The tradition of children writing letters to Santa Claus is a cherished part of holiday celebrations, a ritual filled with hope, imagination, and heartfelt wishes. Reading old letters to Santa from children long ago offers a unique and meaningful window into the past. These letters, preserved through time, hold immense value as historical artifacts, sources of inspiration, and reminders of the enduring innocence and creativity of childhood.
Old letters to Santa serve as snapshots of the time they were written. They reflect the societal norms, cultural values, and economic realities of a bygone era. For example, a child in the early 20th century might have wished for simple items like a doll, a pair of shoes, or a bag of candy—wishes that illustrate the modesty of life during the Great Depression or wartime scarcity.
Through these letters, we seehowChristmastraditions evolved.Thewaychildrenaddressed Santa, the language they used, and the kinds of gifts they requested reveal shifts in education, technology, and popular culture. A letter from the 1940s might ask for a toy train set, while one from the 1980s might request a Cabbage Patch doll or a video game. Reading these letters gives insight into what mattered most to children at different historical points, from necessities to fleeting trends.
Children’s letters to Santa capture the purest form of human expression—hope unclouded by cynicism. They remind us of a time when believing inmagicandgoodness was natural and essential. The joy and innocence found in these letters resonate deeply, reminding adults of their childhood wonder.
Many of these letters also reveal a child’s selfawareness. It is common for a child to admit they “haven’t been perfect this year” before sweetly asking Santa to overlook their mistakes. This vulnerability and sincerity can be a powerful reminder of the humility and honesty often lost with age.
Reading old letters to Santa fosters a profound connection between generations. They remind us that childhood's hopes, dreams, and struggles are universal and transcend time. A child in 1920 asking for a stuffed animal shares a kinship with a child in 2020 wishing for similar comfort.
Discovering a letter written by a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent can be particularly meaningful for families. These letters act as family heirlooms, offering a tangible link to loved ones and the stories that shaped their lives. In this way, they become more than just letters; they are bridges across time, connecting past and present.
Old letters to Santa often reveal a surprising depth of gratitude and generosity in children. Many letters include wishes for themselves and requests for their siblings, friends, or even parents. A child might ask for a new coat for their father or a toy for their baby sister. These sentiments highlight the values of kindness and thoughtfulness that Christmas embodies.
Reading these letters can inspire us to cultivate those values in our lives. They remind us that the season's true spirit lies not in receiving but in caring for others and appreciating what we have. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, reading old letters to Santa reminds us of a simpler time. They bring us back to a world where the magic of Christmas wasn’t about the latest gadget or trend but the joy of a toy train, a new dress, or a heartfelt wish. This simplicity is a powerful antidote to the consumerism that often overshadows modern holidays.
Beginning in about 1915, various newspapers in Marshall County began printing Letters to Santa written by the county's children. For many years, the Madill Record held a “Best Letter” contest. Each year, one boy and one girl were selected to write the best letter and received a prize from the newspaper.
Just like last year, for the ChristmaseditionoftheMarshall County History article, let’s go back one hundred years and see what was important to the children of the county. Some of these names may be familiar. Some may even be related to Marshall County citizens today.
Dear Santa: Madill, Okla. Dec. 11, 1935. I'm a little girl almost four years old. I have a little brother named Raymond Jerdy. I want you to please bring me a baby doll, with clothes and suitcase. Bring my little brother a little rocking horse and some house slippers. Also bring both of us some candy, nuts and fruit. Good-bye, Santa, MONAMAEandRAYMOND JERDY. P. S.-Please bring the little Carson boys something for Christmas.
Dear Santa Claus. I am a little boy 4 years old. I want you to bring me a cattle truck, horse, cow, and cowboy suit. My little brother, Dusty, wants a rocking chair. Please don't forget' my dog, Pooch. He needs a pan to eat out of.
And Santa, please do all you can to bring my daddy home for Christmas. He works for the telephone company at Duncan.Don'tforgetmylittle cousins, and grandmother and grandfather Claude. Your little friend. Towana Dean Spivey Madill, Okla.
Dear Santa: I am a little boy 5 years old. and my name is Johnny. I have tried very hardtobegoodandIwantyou to bring me a pair of cowboy boots, a cowboy hat, a set of pistols and plenty of candy, nuts and fruit. I have a little sister Her name is Barbara Ann. She is 3 years old and she wants a doll, doll buggy. tricycle and some nuts, fruit, and candy Your little friends. Johnny and Barbara Qualls Madill.
DEAR SANTA I am a little girl and will be 3 years old February 12. I have been worried, afraid you wouldn't put anything under my Christmas tree. because I have been naughty at times. But if you will forgive me and bring me something I will be better next year. If you don't think I have been too mean, please bring me a big sleepy baby doll, a stroller for it and a little trunk to keep my toys in. Sincerely, Your little friend. Glenda Jane Henson Madill, Okla.
Dear Santa Claus: I want a doll bed, and a purse, and bring Lillian Dale a little red chair.CARRIELOUSCOTT, Madill, Okla.
Dear Santa Claus: As it is nearly time for you to come to this country to visit little girls and boys I will tell you what I want. I want a doll and a little doll bed and a little doll a little doll trunk and some dishes and also some candy and apples and some oranges and some nuts. And I am going to be a good little girl. MARGARET LOCKE, Madill, Okla.
Dear Santa Claus: Please bring me a little rake, hoe and shovel, and lots of nuts, candy, apples and oranges, and please don't forget some tire works, and I will be so good, so goodbye till next year. Joe Wells.
Dear Santa: Bring me a football and a little Rein Deer, andsomecandyandnuts,and a little car. Goodbye.
Earl Dean Dawson. Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl seven years old. I go to school and am in the first grade. I want you to bring me a doll, doll buggy, sweater, and a pair of gloves. Don't forget my sister Jewel. She wants a doll, doll trunk and a pair of gloves. Bring my other sisters and brother something. This is all for this year. Your little girl, Pauline Vitatoe.
Dear Santa Claus: Please bring me a wicker doll buggy, some stockings, underwear and dresses for the doll you brought last Christmas, and candy and nuts. Your little friend. Genevieva Landram.
Dear Santa: Bring me a suit of clothes, cap, train and tractor and toy.car. Respectfully, RoyalPalmerLewis,Jr.
Dear Santa Claus: Bring me some marbles, a toy pistol, some caps, blocks and an apple and orange. Your little friend, Ralph Mitchell.
Dear Santa Claus: I hope you bring me a little doll with curly hair and blue eyes, and some good things to eat. My little brother wants you to bring him a little horse that goes he ha! he ha! and something nice to eat. I guess Eunice will tell you what she wants, so goodbye I will look for you Xmas. Venus Beams.
Dear Santa, How are you Santa? I am OK. I want a rubber doll. Hattie Mae wants a rubber doll. Mae and Iwantsomecandyapplesand oranges. I am going to leave you a cake on the table. And don't forget Mother, Daddy and Aunt Dula. Mae and I have been good. Mother and Daddy and Dula have been good.
Wanda Faye Wilon Mannsville, Okla.
Willis, Okla. Nov. 23, 1949. Dear Santa Claus, I have been a good girl, so please bring me a dolly buggy, dust mop, broom and a doll with hair. Please bring Granddad some steak. Be sure and don't forget Ruth and Paulette and Joe Paul. I'll be seeing you at Willis, Christmas. Your little friend, Donna Frances Page.
Dear Santa, I have tried to be a good girl this 'past year. I am nine years old and in the fourth grade. My mother says that I am t0o big for a doll but I would like very much to have 'Amos Andra' as my last doll. I would also like to have a house coat and a pair of house shoes. My sister and her friend want cosmetics. Yours truly, Jan Cryer, Willis.
Willis, Oklahoma. Nov. 17, 1943. Dear Santa Claus: If you are not too busy, take a little time to remember me this year. I sure would like a tinker toy set, some candy, nuts and oranges. Lots of love, Wendyl Askew.
Willis, Okla. Nov. 17, 1943. Hello Santa: This letter is from all us Massey boys. I, Edward, am the biggest boy. Remember me with an army jeep and a tricycle. Aaron is next. I want a U. S. jeep, too. Lyndel is the littlest one coming to school. He would like a tank. Don't forget us. Love, Edward, Lyndel and Aaron Massey.
Willis, Okla. Nov. 17, 1943. Dear old friend: I am a little girl barely six years old. I sure would like to have a new doll and doll buggy. Also a rake, hoe and spade. I know youwon'tforgetme.Goodbye, Hayhwahnah Dickerson.
Kinlock, Okla. Nov. 1943. Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl seven years old and in the first grade. I have been a good little girl. Please bring me a doll, doctor and nurse set. I know all my A-B-C's and can count and write to 100. Don't forget my three little sisters, Dorothy, Elvina and Katherine. Thank you. Your friend, Sarah Lou Jackson.
Madill, Okla. Nov. 24, 1943 Dear Santa Claus: I am a boy eight years old. I go to school at Camrose. I am in thethirdgrade.Santa,Iknow there won't be a plenty of toys for everyone, so I want only a few things. Please bring a model airplane, a cowboy boy suit and everything else you wish to bring. With love and MerryChristmas,Gwendene Hale.
Dear Santa: Madill, Okla. Nov. 24, 1943 We are two little boys and can't write very well, so Mother is writing for us. I (Dwayne) go to school at Camrose and am in the first grade. (Jerry) I am almost five years old. Santa we don't want very much this year, for we know things will be hard to get. I (Dwayne) would like to have a football, a Royal Mountie Suit and some fruit and candy. I (Jerry) would like to have a little train and a little playhouse (even if I am a boy). And please try to get around to all the little boys and girls in the world. With all our love, Dwayne and Jerry Hale, Kinlock, Okla. November, 1943 Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl five years old. I have been a good little girl and I want you to bring me a baby doll bed and a locket. I have two coloring books so bring me a box of crayons so I can color them. Also some fruit, nuts and candy. I have a baby brother three months old. Don't forget him. His name is Charles Bomaine. Don't forget my little cousins andfriends.Thankyou. Your pal, Betty Lou Dudley.
Kinlock, Okla. November, 1943. Dear Santa Claus: I am six years old and in the first grade at school. I want you to bring me a gun and scabbard, some fruit, nuts and candy. I won't ask for much this year as I know they are hard to get during the war. I have a brother four years old and he wants a gun and scabbard too. My little sister, Mary, wants a baby doll that cries. Please don't forget my older brother, 12 years old, and my sister, 10 years old. Your little friend, Joe Edward Davis. P. S. Please don't forget all my little friends at school.
Willis, Okla. Nov. 17, 1943. Dear Santa: How is business these days? When you come to Willis bring me a doll, a buggy and a doll bed. Please, Santa, if you can't bring me that, give to the little girls in France and Russia. And if you can, bring me a blackboard. I will be a good little girl until Christmas if you will try to bring me those things. Wilma Ann Massey. P. S. I'd like a tricycle, too, and the doll to have hair.
Willis, Okla. Nov. 17, 1943. Dear Santa: I am a little girl seven years old and in the second grade. I am a good little girl. Will you please bring me a big doll and a set of dishes for Christmas? Codeen Looney.
Willis, Okla. Nov. 17, 1943. Dear Santa: I wish I could see you. How are you? If you aren't too busy, bring me some toys. Be sure to come this year. Are you too busy? Your friend, Bobbie Lee Henson.
Willis, Okla. Nov. 17, 1943. Dear Santa Claus: I want a big doll, a doll buggy, two doll blankets and some doll clothes. I will be a good girl, so good-bye. Your friend, Cleta Ruth Eubanks.
Willis, Okla. Nov. 17, 1943. Dear Santa: How are you today? Please bring me a doll. Please bring me some candy, nuts and oranges. I am eight years old. How old are you? I don't know much to write. My teacher's name is Mrs. Tommy. Your little friend, Lou Massey.
Willis, Okla. Nov. 17, 1943. Dear Santa: I am glad it is so nearly Christmas. I thought I would write you a letter. Please think of me. I would like a little truck, some candy, oranges, and bananas. Love, Billie Clements.
Willis, Okla. Nov. 17, 1943. Dear Santa: I thought I would write you as it is so near Christmas. I want a cowboy suit, a little pool table, some candy, nuts, oranges andgrapefruit.Ihavea horse and saddle. My horse is black and white, so his name is polecat. With love, Delmas Lynn Northcutt.
Star route, Woodville. Dear Santa: I am a little girl 6 years old and I am in the first grade. Will you bring and I am in the first grade. I want you to bring me a little girl doll, with some pretty clothes and a string of pearls. I have a little brother. Please bring him a cowboy suit and some spurs. Thank you Santa, As ever your friend, Susan Kirtley 207 S. Eighth Avenue Madill, Oklahoma.
Madill, Oklahoma Nov. 30, 1942. Dear Santa: I am a little boy six years old and have just started to school. Santa, I'm not asking for too much as there are other little boys and girls to get for. I want a little desk and chair, a watch that will run, some fruit, nuts and candy Your little friend, Tommye Neil Crouch.
Oakland,Okla.November 23, 194. Dear Santa: I am a little boy three years old. I have been a pretty good boy. Would you please bring me a little train and tracks and lots of candy, fruit and nuts? Please bring all the other little children lots of things too. Thank you. Yours truly, Warren Edward McGill Enos, Okla. November 21, 1941 Dear Santa Claus, I am a little girl two years old and I live at Enos. I want you to bring me a little high chair, doll, and a pair of shoes; also some candy, apples, oranges and nuts. I have been a very good little girl. Please don't disappoint me. Your little friend, Frankie McLish.
Kingston,Okla.November 12, 1941 Dear Santa, I want a pair of roller skates, scooter, doll buggy, and some nuts and candy. Your little friend, Betty Ann Hughes Kingston,Okla.November 11, 1941, Dear Santa: I want ascooter,dollbuggyandsome nuts and candy.
Your little friend, Billie Jean Hughes.
Kingston,Okla.November 1, 1941 Dear Santa Claus, I want a buggy, a Betsy-Wetsy doll, and a trunk full of clothes. I am a little girl eight years old and in the third grade. I am the only one in my grade that made straight A's the first six weeks. Thank you. Your friend, Lovetta Drain.
Route No. 1 Madill, Okla. Nov. 30, 1946 Dear Santa Claus, I am a good little girl five years old. I would like to have an iron, ironing board, swing, houseshoes, housecoat, dishes, doll, doll clothes, and story books. And lots of candy and fruit. Be sure to bring my eleven year old sister, Joanne a pair of skates, house shoes, and some gloves. Yours truly, Santa Ann Godfrey.
Kingston, Okla., Dec. 3, 1932. I am writing you a little letter to tell you what I want Christmas I want a little wagon and a box of stationers. I am seven years old and in the third grade. Your little friend, Imogene Buck.
Kingston, Okla. Dec. 3, 1932 Dear Santa: I am writing what I want for Christmas. I want a bucking mule and a tricycle I am five years old and in the primer. Your friend, Cecil Buck Aylesworth, Okla.
Dec. 5, 1932. Dear Santa: I am a little girl 10 years old and in the fifth grade. I sure like to go to school. My teacher's name is Mrs. Breco. Santa, don't forget any little boys or girls this Christmas. This is what I want you to bring me. A Doll, a doll dresser and some fruit & nuts. Santa if you don't think that you are able to bring me all of this just most anything will be appreciated verymuch.ButSantabesure and don't forget me. Your little friend, Janeice Young.
Woodville, Okla. December 1st. Woodville. I am a girl eleven years old and the sixth grade. This Christmas want you to bring me Buttercup baby doll and a scarf. Please, Your Little Friend, Jean Johnson.
Madill, Okla. Dec. 3, 1934. Dear Santa, I am writing for the whole school. (Madill High School) Please send John L. Riddle and Paul Little some 'medicine.' They need it to cure a case of grouch. Bonnie Bess wants a new record of the St. Louis Blues. Louis wants some new stationary so she can write to Oklahoma City. Oh, I wonder who to? Mr. Upshaw wants a baton because he broke his other one on S. P. Boyd's head. Ig Byrd said he was satisfied with his crack on the chin, so, Santa, I guess you can just pass him up.And,please,Santa,Iwant a couple of Satisfactories in History; in fact, I would be satisfied with a passing grade. Hoping Mrs. Bullock sees this, I am, Yours till next Xmas, Mattie Estelle Scott. MHS Dear Little Mattie. Your letter reached me up here in the cold, cold north and I do hope that I can bring you everything your little heart desires. Maybe I can | bring Ig a new chin. I must get to work now, so good-bye until week, when I shall say Merry Christmas again. Yours, Santa.
As stated above, some of these letters are cute and funny. Some are heartwarming. And some heartbreaking. From each, we can see the joys and hardships these children faced. A reality most do not know today. But regardless of the circumstances in the lives of each of these children, one truth rings true. They truly believed in what Christmas means.
At Christmas, a broken heart can feel alive, and one can see a world of hope and promise. These children believed in the magic of Christmas. They believed in a world of hope and promise.
Some say the future of the world, is in the children’s hands. Perhaps if we let them lead, we would come to see what they see. Perhaps we would see a world of hope and promise too.
May your Christmas be filled with love, hope and promise, just like these kids from days gone by.
May you believe in the Magic of Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all, and God Bless.