Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Newton County! A year ago, I scoured the archives at The Appeal for a sampling of Santa Letters written years ago by excited boys and girls and published in the Newton Record and the Union Appeal. It’s so cool to look back at these letters and realize how things have changed through the years. For example, in the early 1900’s, kids were asking for fruits and nuts, while today’s kids want the latest iPhones and video game systems. But the thing that never changes is the love and wonder expressed in these charming letters to good old St. Nick.
Let’s take another fun dive into letters to Santa from the children of Newton County’s past.
Dear Santa Claus,
I know you have been working hard making toys for everyone. I can just about remember the night before Christmas book because I have to read it to my brother so much if I didn’t he would cry. I will have mother give you a piece of ambrosia cake and pour you a glass of milk. And I will hang and stocking up for you to fill it full of candy. Don’t forget Robin he can’t write you a letter because his eyes are red. Just bring him what little boys like. Bring him something like frogs and snails and puppy dog tails. Bring me just anything to play with. Don’t give me a lot because they are people that don’t have parents and it want be a happy Christmas for them. So bring them a lot. And don’t forget Terry my brother. Love, Sheila Sessums.
– Union Appeal, 1967
Dear Santa Claus,
Please bring me a doll buggy and sleeping doll, also a little iron for my doll clothes. I am sending you a dollar. Mother gave me a ring. There are so many other little children who want things that I am not going to ask you for all I want for Christmas. Mother says I have been nice. Your little girl, Ruth Woodham.
– Newton Record, 1924
Dear Santa Claus,
Please bring me a set of peg knives. I don’t want anything except mama peg knives, So I can play mama peg. When I play mama peg I am happy and I want to be happy, so please bring me some mama peg knives. George “Bogan” Smith.
– Union Appeal, 1956
Dear Santa Claus,
I am a little boy 5 ½ years old and I have tried to be real good. I help Mother read the Bible very night and I say my prayer every night. I saw you in town the other day and you were real pretty, so please bring me a set of guns with bullet with it—a B.B. Gun—a water canister—a helicopter—a punching bag, and a Bible. I have my Christmas tree up and it is real pretty. Be sure to eat the cake and milk I will have for you in the ice box. Well, I will go. I hope you will have a real nice Christmas. Your friend, Steve Hedrick. P.S. Forgive Mother and Daddy if they have been bad and bring Mother a watch and Daddy a Watch band and a billfold.
– Newton Record, 1956
Dear Santa Claus,
I only want 3 things for Christmas. A pink bike with a basket. And pretty cut and grow with Lavender hair. One more thing A Hungry, Hungry, Hipo game. I hope you are fine. If we are at ma-ma’s bring it there. I don’t have much to say. So I will say good-by. Love, Stephanie Purvis.
– Union Appeal, 1982
Dear Santa Claus,
I’m wondering if you are packing your things tonight? I heard you broadcasting over the radio tonight. Santa dear, I’m going to school this time. I’m six years old. I want you to remember my teacher, Miss Lucy Horton, and all my school chums and friends. Now, please don’t forget my dear old Grandpa, Grandma Anderson, they don’t have any teeth, but they can eat something that is soft. Now, Santa, I’ll just take anything you want to leave me to have. I just hope you will find my stocking, and will fill it with “goodies from the top way down to the toe.” I’ll be waiting and longing for you. I send you a big hug. Your little girl, Mary Lou Vance.
– Newton Record, 1930
Dear Kris Kringle,
We want an automobile body repair kit and a dare-devil ramp to drive oru car over. A canyon to drive our Evil Knevel motorcycle over. A motorcycle to drive over our Evil Knevel canyon. We also want the books PT 109 (with the “Miller’s Tale”), and a case of dynamite to blow up Coach Case, and ten points in junior English. Your good little friends, Danny Boy and Scotty, Too. P.S. Included is a map of Mississippi so you won’t get lost. P.S.S. Come to Danny’s house because Scotty, Too doesn’t have a chimney. P.S.S.S. Tell Mrs. Kringle we enjoyed those French pastries you sent last Christmas.
– Union Appeal, 1971
Dear Santa,
I have been a good boy this year. I mind my mama very good. I would like to have a bicycle, toy truck, and some new clothes. Please bring my little sister Heather a Glow Baby. She is to little to write you. She has been pretty good but not all the time. She is 1 year old. Bring my brother a shower massage. Bring my mama some clothes. Bring my sister-in-law a jogging suit. I love you. My stocking is hung for you. I will go to bed early. Love, Christopher Neese, Age 5. Decatur.
– Newton Record, 1985
Dear Santa,
I hope your feeling well, because you’ve got a long journey ahead of you. I hope your not sick or anything like that. I hope I’ve been good enough. Christmas is not getting presents. Long, long ago there was no Christmas, until Christ was born. So you better be glad he was born., or you might have never got a present in your life. Are you still there Santa. You are. Well lets get back to talking. I know you didn’t see me at Sears but I saw you. I hope you got the letter that I sent to you without a stamp. Todd Viverette.
–Union Appeal, 1967
