If you ever need a shot of Christmas spirit or worry about the state of the world we live in, ask a bunch of grade school kids to write letters to Santa. If that won’t cure what ails you, not much will.
The Santa letters have been a Bryan County News staple this time of year for years – if for no other reason than to reassure the editor that kids are still kids – and the results can warm even the Grinchiest of hearts.
The letters can make you laugh, sometimes, and sometimes they’ll break your heart a little bit. This one, for example, from a student at George Washington Carver Elementary, is of the latter variety. It is unedited.
“Dear Santa,
I know your really busy but I have one wish please. My granmom died recently and my Mom, my sister, and me we’re really sad. My granpa is going to have surgery for his cancer. I was wondering if maybe you could help him live through it, please. I really, really, love him. I really don’t want to lose him.
Sincerely, Nicole.”
There was no last name attached to the litter, and that’s OK. One suspects Santa knows what he needs to know.
What’s more, there will likely be a lot of people praying for your granpa, Nicole, and asking Santa to do his best on your behalf. You and your family please hang in there, young lady.
Like Nicole’s letter, many of this year’s letters come from George Washington Carver Elementary.
Others come from Bryan County Elementary – the editor picked two schools and ran with it.
Our thanks to the administrators, Karen Smith and Allison Holcombe, and the teachers who helped pull it all other.
With that, here goes a gift to the editor and our readers who still believe (even if just a little bit) in Santa. It may be worth noting some letters were edited a bit for spelling, while others weren’t, and there’s a chance some of the edits were off, because, well, blame the editor.
Some letters couldn’t be used due to illegibility, some because they were more art than letter. We tried to use all of them, though. Those we printed in this issue and those we couldn’t print were forwarded on to Santa by Priority Mail, so he’d get them on time.
Merry Christmas.
From Bryan County Elementary:
Dear Santa,
I’ve always wanted to say you are the nicest person I know. I’ve always been trying to wish for a good Christmas. I know some people are bad, but I want people to have a chance to get at least one present. It’s really crazy that you can deliver presents all over the world in one night.
Santa make sure to have a good Christmas.
Love,
Canaan Nielsen.
Dear Santa,
Thank you for being a nice guy. I want presents because I have been good. I would like barbys, lols, Shopkens, solfanomles, and electric skooter.
How do the elfs make everything?
Love, Willow Fetty
Dear Santa,
Thanks for giving us presents. How are you magic?
Where did you get the reindeer? How is your sleigh magic? How can reindeer fly?
How do you make toys?
Where do you find elfs?
Please get me WWE toys.
Love,
Kayson Bean Fountian.
Dear Santa
Am I on a nice list?
I want a elf and I want a (something to do with Lego, Santa, we think). I really want brand new shoes.
I have been good Santa.
Grayson Andrews
Dear Santa
I hope you have a good Christmas. I want a Whitney Houston please also a Taylor Swift record, a IPad and a diamond baguette and a drone.
You are nice. Love Ho Ho Ho.
Judah Kearney
Dear Santa
Hi it’s me Madison and thang you for Sparkles she is so cute but she is so funny and I love her so much and Sparkles, Lucey, and Cookie and I am going to give you my Christmas wish list Dog man books and the Bad guys book, a Chrome book, shoe 7-1/2, dress white and black Nikes squishmallows and (not sure) but I was so happy because Sparkles gave me a Christmas tree and my mom give me a tree topper and a tree … and I am happy for that and I love you and my mom and I love Mrs. Clase too she can make relaly good cookies and I have been relaly good this year, and I want 5 surprise makeup I phone 13 pro max Sierra blue Louis Vuitton Mint bag neo achhett bull squishmallow all the fidgets you can give to me fashion fedgets a nice pop pop rockers. Slime mysery fidget box bags.
Ho Ho Ho Christmas eve.
Madison B.
Dear Santa
I have been good this year. For Christmas I would like a barby set with a lot of barbys and thank you so much.
From
Jovie Brown
Dear Santa
My name is Alana
I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. These are three things I am wishing for. 1. Lol (doll?). 2. Mermaid toy. 3. New (Santa knows.).
From Carver
Elementary:
Dear Santa, for Christmas may I please have a new xbox x and Star Wars Legos. I am a big fan of Star Wars Legos and I am a collecter. I would like a new Xbox x because my brother wants my x box. So if I can get the new one he can get the old one.
Sincerely
Carter Youngs
Dear Santa,
I would like a Legos set. I’ve been simi-good (does this count as honesty). I would also like a Splitoon 3. One of those Nba Jam hoops, with a ball. I’m not trying to pressure you so that is all.
Sincerely
Camden (he included his address).
Dear Santa,
I really want my family to be happy but I want a Macbook pro and an IPhone 14 pro max and just surprise me with the rest.
Sincerely
Robert E.
Dear Santa,
How’ve you been? I’ve been good. You must be tired sending all the gifts in one night. That’s crazy!
When you come to my house, try my delicious cookies! There are 5 of them. One’s a sugar cookie, which has been passed down from generation to generation. I have one question. What do you want for Christmas?
Sincerely
Louis
Editor’s note: That must be some sugar cookie. Ha-ha!
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is a slingshot, football, pellet gun, and for everyone to have a lovly Christmas.
Sincerely,
Kendell Wall.
Dear Santa,
What I want for Christmas this year is Pokemon Scarrett and violet double pack. Also, thank you. Thank you for making children like me happy.
Sincerely,
Editor’s note: Kid writes like a future doctor. Signature is illegible, but Santa knows.
Dear Santa,
For Christmas I would like a computer because it will be a lot easier for me to do my work from home and I can get my work done.
Oh, and I won’t forget your cookies have a great Christmas.
Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas.
Sincerely,
Patrick Ward
Dear Santa,
Hi! My name is Alyssa. I have been a good girl this year because I do my work, I am kind, loving, smart, and fun. For Christmas I would like, 1. A puppy. 2. A green new Iphone. 3. Robux. 4. Four airplane to Paris. 5. Magic. 6. For me and family and friends to be safe.
Love
Alyssa
Dear Santa
I really don’t know what to put here, but I do have one thing to say. If you put me on the naughty list I will take your cookies. (Smiley face).
Love,
Amy Smith
Dear Santa,
Hello! My name is Levi Obrien Fields.
I have been good this year because I sometimes help people when they need it but other times if some call my little brother they wish they never did.
For Christmas I would like my techers to have the best Christmas ever and I don’t want anything for Christmas.
Thank you! Love, (all caps?) Levi Fields.
Dear Santa
I wish that Christmas last longer one day is not enough and I wish I got a new dog. I want a computer or a table I don’t care which one I get I just want one please and my last one is I want Mrs. Sidenbender and Mrs. Sannder (?) to get an apple and it says this from Kassidy you have apple.
Love,
Kassidy
Dear Santa, my name is Mallory and for Christmas I want a new hoverboard, a 5 dollar roblox gift card, and a new volleyball with lots of other colors. I’m really thankful for Christmas and for a family, Christmas is one of my favorite holidays because it is Jesus birthday and you get to spend Christmas with your family. I only asked for a little bit because I know my mom will get me more presents I hope you get me these three things.
Love, Mallory
Dear Santa,
I am excited for Christmas to come and brings lots of joy to everyone, including me. I guarantee that I have tried my best this year not to be naughty. Our Christmas tree is being set up in a few days.
For my present I do not know what I want. I have recently been saving up to buy something. It’s really expensive, so I haven’t got very close. The price is around $300. Anyway, I wish you the best luck you could ever have!
Love,
Ivy Fang
Dear Santa,
I want a hippapotimus for Christmas. I also want a mountain biking helmet, with gloves.
I also really really really really really want an electric guitar! Also there is this pen, call a fountain pen. Another I need is a basketball. I think I should get some of these gifts because I have been a super doope wooper yooper good boy.
Love,
Ian
Dear Santa,
I was wondering if I was good or bad. If I’m good then can I have one or two random Lego sets. But if I’m bad can you give it to my sister Emily or my friend Ian or Justin. And by the way I want you to give my little sister Sophia a Barbie doll wearing a pink dress and tell her to stop touching my Lego toy.
Love,
Wilson
Dear Santa
Hello! My name is Braxton I have been good this year because I was not bad.
For Christmas I would like some Takara Tomy Beyblade, nerf guns, Dairy of a Wimpy kid and a computer.
Thank you! Love, Braxton
Dear Santa, even though I was on the nice list last year I am still hoping to be on the nice list again. And if I get on the nice list again, I want to get a dog so I can snuggle with it. And I want a new PC so I can play games on it, and then I want a new watch. Well that’s what I want for Christmas!
Love,
Elijah
Dear Santa,
I want a 4 wheeler for Christmas. Only a 4 wheeler will do. I don’t want a doll, no photo copier. I want a 4 wheeler to drive with and enjoy. I want a 4 wheeler for Christmas. I don’t think Santa Claus will mind, do you? You won’t have to use the dirty chimney flue. Just bring it through the front door. That’s the easy thing to-do! I also want an apple watch for Christmas. I deserve this because, I’ve been doing great with chores, and I’ve been having very good behavior.
Love,
Kendall Lewis.
Hello! My name is Adrian.
I have been good this year because I have helped the invirement by piking up trash and throwing it in the trash can.
For Christmas I would like x box.
Thank you! Love, Adrian.
Dear Santa I would want a lot of presents for Christmas. I also want for my family to come to my house again this year and to have a great dinner with my family and another thing I want is 13,000 v-bucks. Lastly I would want is a Atlanta Falcons mascot pillow.
Love,
Blake.
Dear Santa all I want for Christmas is some candy and not to be the only child anymore so Santa if you can make my wishing come true I would be very happy because I have not had candy in a while and I am tired of being the only child it’s very boring.
From (first name illegible, but Santa knows).
Dear Santa I am writing this letter to you today because one of my dog King is crazy and poops everywhere and in my room a lot, so if you could fix his pooping problem that would be amazing! Also my friend Carmella is having a hard time in cheer ball sharks and if she could have some help that’d be great!
From, Katiana J.
Dear Santa Clause. This Christmas I DON’T want a doll for Christmas. I would rather have the options listed below.
Fabrics
Sewing machine
Elf ears
Vampire teeth
Katsuki bohugo merch
Google pixle six.
From Delephenia Pryor
Dear Santa,
I would like a robux gift card, a new water bottle, and a glass pen w/ an entire art set. Thank you. Merry Christmas.
From, Nadeen
Dear Santa, this Christmas I want a new led light mirror that’s shaped like Hello Kitty, a new hoodie, the silver IPad, a new phone case with Hello Kitty and her friends. New computer, plane tickets to Texas or California. A planning book. Hello Kitty pencil case.
From Sophie.
Dear Santa
All I want this holiday is a new scooter. Because my old scooter has mold on it and the weel is contantly falling off. That why I want a new scooter.
PS: If you have time I would like a Star Wars Lego Set.
Love: Sam Peacock
Dear Santa,
All I want this holiday is a nice day with hot chocolate and a Christmas movie with snacks. Or a happy Christmas, because I work so hard and need a little break. From Tressa
Hey Santa this is what I want for Chismas. I want new dunks. I want a new phone and money.
Love, Arianny
Dear Santa,
The thing I want most for this year is for my baby sister to look like me, and to get a baby puppy for me and her.
That is all I want.
Love,
Laila Taylor
Dear Santa, Hello there Santa I am happy that I can send you a letter to the north pole so I will tell you why I will give you this letter so I sent this letter to you because I wanted to know how it felt in the north pole delivering presents around the world. So Santa thank you for delivering our presents to us.
Love,
(first name hard to read, but Santa knows) Patel
Dear Santa, This year for Christmas I would like clear mascara, clay, more Nike socks, Air jordans, rings, necklaces, anklets, Shrek stikers, Shrek shirt, Shrek phone case, paint markers, aclhol markers, new sketch book, hoodies, Shrek-e & Peppa pig shirts, and lip gloss & skin care products.
Love, Zoe
Dear Santa I have been good this year I really want an IPad Pro like Spikes and the case cause I need it to do my optimal home work, but I want a hoverboard too. That’s it really, but I hope you have a Merry Christmas.
Love,
Editor’s note: Signature looks like Neneh, or Nevaeh. Or maybe Newton. Santa will figure it out.
Santa, My behavior has been terrible this year so I don’t deserve any presents which isn’t suprising at all.
Love, KJ
Dear Santa, Hi hope you have a wonderful Christmas and Christmas eve. I only want squishmellows and mini brands, that’s it.
Love, Aylin
Dear Santa what I want for Christmas is nothing all I need is for you to help me and be kind and nice to people because I want to be a kind person. Everything I want for Christmas I have like my family and Mrs. Whitaker. The people I love.
Love,
Lynie Harrell
Santa,
Hope you had a grate year. Want Lego (ninjago, Star Wars, Marvel) and Funko pop (Marvel,, Starwars, Stranger Thing) and video games (Lego brawles and Pokemon-violet) that what I want for Chistmas.
Love,
Carter
Dear Santa,
May I please have a Iphone 14 pro max it would be great for me because there are just so many reasons why it would be a great for me if I wrote how many reasons it would be a good use to me it would use up 2 of these sized papers. So can you please bring me a I phone 14 pro max. I’ve been a really good boy.
Thnx, Braxton
Dear Santa,
I only want one thing for Chirmas. The only thing I wanat is a elf I never get a elf for Chirmas so I’m here today telling you I want a elf can you please just send me one. I hope i’m on your nice list I been good this year those are the only two things i want for Chirmas.
Sincerely
Carmen
Dear Santa, have I been good this year will you bring me lots of presents? Can you bring me a small dog for my big dog?
Sincerely, Bryson
Dear Santa, IDK how bad or good I’ve been but I’m still writing to you. I also have a question. Why does your address say 801 Christmas Lane North pole, USA 88783 did you make it up or was it like that when you became Santa? Santa how did you become Santa? Please write me back.
Sincerely, Keely Cordell
Editor’s note: Keely will make a good reporter.
Dear Santa, this year I have been a good girl can you award me with a pencil sharpener, and some sour candy those are my favorite. I am going to put out cookies and milk for you they are going to be yummy. I hope you and the elfs are not to tired from making toy’s. Have a good day out at night, also I want some roller skates. Have fun.
Sincerely, Ami M.
Dear Santa,
I only want one thing no candy no nothing one thing I want it to be fluffy and a baby it is a dog I only have one friend in my nabor hood and she is gone most of the time. Also I want my friend Carmen to have an elf she told me she doesn’t have an elf so I want to make her happy.
Sincerely, Violet H.
Dear Santa,
I do not wish for presents this year. I would like my Nana to come over for Christmas. I have not seen her in a year. She is allways funny and really nice. All I wish is to see her.
Thank you Santa.
Sincerely, Rowan R.
Dear Santa
There is only one thing I want for Christmas and that would be for the people to have the Christmas spirit. And tell the mayor that he is doing a good job. So again I don’t want presents I just want Christmas spirit for Richmond Hill and the other countrys and states.
Ps I hope you enjoy the milk and cookies.
Sincerely, Aubrey Entwistle.
Editor’s note: U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter better look out.
Dear Santa,
I don’t know how you get all around the world in just 12 hours. I don’t think you have a sleigh or reindeer. You probably have a teleporter so you can get to every house in the world. You have every body in a rooze that you have a sleigh and reindeer. I have figured you out. P.S. I wnt Nike air vapor max size: 5.5.)
Sincerely, Wyatt
Dear Santa
I am sorry for not believing in you from time to time but it is just strange how you can stop at over over 7 billion houses. Although I know you are magic it’s still odd. Also I don’t care about the presents under the tree, because that isn’t important. The main thing I want is for Harley, my friend, to find her elf named Bell. Also Bell was a prankster.
Sincerely, Kaden.
Dear Santa,
For Christmas, I would love to have a Roblox gift card and a Squishmellow. That’s all and thank you for all your hard work.
Love, Sebastian R.
Dear Santa,
All I want this year is a roblox gift card and a new fighting/gun game for my PS4. Also I want a one piece game for my Switch. Another thing I want is a new hoody similar to the one I use now.
From, Trent
Dear Santa
This year I want only a few things. You don’t have to get me too much but I do want a lot. I want things like a phone, some clothes, some shoes and other stuff like that. Thank you so much, Santa.
Love, Kameire
Dear Santa,
This year I am hoping for a VR. (AKA) virtual reality headset, and a new bike. I would like some new airpods with a case, and another hoverboard. Last thing, is clothes and shoes. I hope you have fun giving people joy as much as I do.
Thank you Santa! Merry *Christmas!* Love, Emily
Dear Santa, this year I am only asking for a couple of things but first I want to apologize for beeing bad. Okay. I want a drone, a jumbo Squishmellow, a snap circuit kit, and a magnet kit. Can you maybe send Bell back to me. I promise I will be good. That is all I want.
Sincerely, Harley
Dear Santa,
You have worked so hard to go to houses and leave gifts under people’s Chrismas trees. All I want for this holiday is people to be happy all the time, even my sister who is always cute, funny and happy and even my brother. I hope you have a Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas! For Chrismas, I want everyone to be happy, sweet and kind, Dear Santa.
Yadira
Dear Santa,
May I please have a funko pop of any character in MHA, a rabbid + Marios parks of hope, Pokemon carlet and Violet. I would like my family and relatives to be happy and healthy.
Love, William
Dear Santa,
I hope you have a merry and bright Christmas. I hope that you are happy for another Christmas to give away presents. I hope you are thankful that God gave you another year to give away more presents to good girls and boys.
Sincerely, Love Zy’Asia
Dear Santa,
I just wanted to say I am greatful that you bring toys and joy to many kids around the world. I hope this year you can more joy to all those kids. Christmas isn’t all about giving presents. Christmas is more about spending time with friends and family.
Sincerely, Sebastian M.
Dear Santa
For Christmas may I have a lot of snow this winter? I would also like a great time with my whole family. Finally, for presents, I would like to have only two things. First, I would like anything to do with science, mainly a chemistry set. I also want a video game. One more thing I really want, I mentioned before, can you bring us snow?
Sincerely, Anyaveer.
Dear Santa,
I hope you are doing great at the North Pole. You guys at the North Pole are working so hard. I wrote you guys a story that was just for “you.” I hope you like it! I don’t want any presents this year. I only want to see my family. That is all I want for Christmas. I hope you have a safe Christmas.
Love, Gracie Mae.
Dear Santa,
For this X-mas I only want 4 things. Three are for my family one is a toy.
The first thing for my family is for me and my brother to get along. So my mom does not get a headache.
The second thing is for my mom to be ok after her surgery. The third thing is for this Christmas me and my brother don’t fight and be nice to each other. The last thing that is for me is that I get anything you give me!
Sincerely, Payson
Dear Santa,
I have fighted a few times this year with my brothers, but I promise I have been good this year! Ever since my dad assigned me with chores, I always done it! My dad always works all night so my brother has to babysit my brothers and I. I always wanted a sister because I’m the only girl in the family, but what I want more is a cat. I don’t care if it is a male cat or a female cat. I don’t even care if has 3 legs. I just want any cat for Christmas, but I do want a ragdoll cat.
I have always wanted a cat and I have been asking for one for 3-4 years now. It has always been hard getting a yes from my parents because of my dog Max. But this year my dad said maybe. I always say, maybe is better than no! I hope I can get a cat this Christmas, and I wish a merry Christmas to you, Santa!
Olivia
Dear Santa, I would really want for my family to have the best Christmas. And I would want for others to have a great Christmas. This is my Christmas list I want to get Percy Jackson whole series, and new clothes, and a face kit, and a new pair of socks, last but not least WWE for my Switch. And I wish a happy happy Christmas for everyone.
Ayo Uwa Aberele
Dear Santa, have you seen what time of the year it is. It is crismas time! I hope you are exsided to deliver gifts, eat cooikes, and be joley! I am. Also can you give me a elf pleas. I wanted one for years. Pleas brang me one. Oh and stop at the store and get a tooh bruch, you mite need it. So that is my note have a good crismas. From: Kennedy
Dear Santa,
I really want a pS5 (controllers included). I also want a IPhone 14 with 13,500 vbucks. I’ve been good most of the year except for one time. I also want a Jersey or basketball signed by Steph Curry With tickets to a Golden State Warriors game. I also want unlimited ammo with a gel blaster, and a semi automatic bb gun. Can you also give me the ability to never miss a shot in basketball? One last thing can you make me better at soccer? Thank you!
From Joel Aguilar
Dear Santa can you bring me my new bed? Can you also bring me my new toilet because it’s broken? Sometimes I am bad and Sometimes I am good. I did a great job this year and I have a good score on Map test! Then I want a huge back yard with animals and a pond with fish. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
From Jason
Dear Santa Clause
I have been pretty good this year. The only things I want are an oculus, boxing gloves and 7 random things that I have no idea what they are. In conclusion I am so grateful for what you do for all the children and people and I would also like an Argentina soccer ball if you can do that. Thank you for all you do every year. I’ll leave you some cookies and milk and create you in Lego.
Sincerely, Michael Jaquillardo
Santa, I do not want much this year only 5 things. I think I have been good this year except for a few things but they are in the past.
First, I want/need a camera.
Second, I want/need a sticker printer.
Third, I want/need a lego fish tank.
Fourth, I want/need a American girl resort.
Fifth, I want/need a Callico critters big house.
And if you can’t give me those things it is ok I can deal with something different ok. Love, Sofia oh and I hope you like your cookies!
Dear Santa,
I really whant a phone. And I whant my mom and dad not to be stresed. And the 10 kids to be good. Love: Makenzie
Dear Santa,
My name is Carrington and for Christmas there are certain things you could do to make the Christmas spirit go up. To start you could leave evidence that you exist. This will give the kids that don’t believe in you more hope. Second, you could tell the elves to hide in convenient places. For example, this year my elf hid on the coffee machine so my dad was unable to have his morning coffee or else he would be very exhausted throughout the day. Last, I think that if you are constantly watching over us to see if we are naughty or nice then we should get what we see in stores even if they are not on our Christmas list.
Have a Merry Christmas,
From Carrington
Dear Santa,
My name is Katie. I want a teal “24” inch bike for Christmas because I have outgrown my old one. I have been good this year and if you don’t believe me then ask my elf, he will vouch for me. I have a question for you that I have been dying to know is your name Kris Kringle or Saint Nick? Can you send me a response letter, I doubt that you need my address because you get me the right thing every year, its that or dumb luck. But if it does so happen to be dumb luck then my elf can supply my address.
Merry Christmas, Katie
Dear Santa,
We want to let you know that we have not been the best people ever. But nobody really is, so we came to ask your forgiveness. So if we have gotten your forgiveness, please give us these few items.
Oculus
3D pen
Gumball machine
Drone
Lava lamp
ICEE
Walkie talkie
Voice changer
Snap Circuit
Sincerely, Kamrynn and Grayson
Dear Santa,
I was wondering if this year you could give me everything on my list. A tesla, colored pencils, markers, etc. I was also wondering if U could knock on the door I don’t think we have a chimney. Two more things please leave some cookies for me. For another thing please leave Rudolph in my house. Oh … last thing my elf is really naughty so when you pick her up please teach my elf some manners. You’re a very nice man so please stop raiding our fridge. Thank you, and I think that’s all.
Love, Serenity
Dear Santa,
I don’t want anything for Christmas I already have everything I want and need. I just want people to be happy. So if you can give the sad homeless people presents not me.
PS. Give your elves a vacation.
William
Dear Santa,
For Christmas I want a horse, and a Bunny mostly. But if you can’t get me any of these things please just make snow like in Germany. Sincerely,
Isabella
Dear Santa Claus,
I’ve been trying to be good all year so I can get some things. The things I want is a Phone so I can call everyone I need to call, maybe a cat I don’t care what the gender is, a change for my parents, and lastly a vaction to somewhere for me and my family to enjoy. Thank you for all those things! Love, Camilla
Dear Santa, This year I want a lot but what I want the most is an sewing set, a make up set and an clay machine I do have more stuff but I don’t want to give you my hole list of things intill chrismass eve.
Not signed
Dear Santa Claus
Hi, my name is Harper Sapp, and I want you to know that I have been very good this year, like once I went to the arcade with my little brother, Hudson, and he didn’t have enough tickets to buy the little gumball machine he wanted so I donated 500 of my tickets and he got the gumball machine and I got nothing.
So this year I REALLY want it to snow, because the last time it snowed in Georgia I was 5 and I barely remember it! So please Santa Claus use your magic and make it snow.
Sincerely, Harper
Dear Santa,
I have been really good this year. So, I would love a vacation with my family and for my mom to be relaxed because she is always mad. Thank you for the Barbie last year!
XOXO Ayda