Letters to Santa leave nothing to chance this Christmas

Letters to Santa leave nothing to chance this Christmas

New Zealand Post has been inundated with letters to Santa this year as increasing numbers of Kiwi kids make sure their Christmas wish list gets to the big man in writing.

New Zealand Post received 71,642 physical and online letters for Santa this year up from 65,767 last year. It puts the increase down to more schools and kindergartens submitting letters on behalf of children in their care.

New Zealand Post’s Letters to Santa coordinator Murray Pugh said increased participation by schools was pleasing.

“Over 1,200 schools and daycares sent letters to Santa this year on behalf of around 30,000 children. The Letters to Santa programme is about giving parents, classrooms and children a festive and fun reason to get writing so it’s great to see more people getting involved,” Murray Pugh said.

Children aren’t leaving anything to chance either, writing detailed letters about their expectations come December 25.

Some letters had long lists of presents with short disclaimers: “Santa, you can choose how many things I am allowed on this list,” and “my mum says I might not get everything I ask for”.

While others thanked Santa for last year’s presents and asked after Mr and Mrs Claus. “Thank you for my presents in 2013. How is everyone in the North Pole? I am working really hard at school”.

Another said; “To Santa, hope Rudolph hasn’t been naughty and how has the naughty and nice list been going? Am I on the good list or bad list?”

Some children were time conscious. “I hope you enjoy your Christmas with your family and sorry I’m sending this early I just want to get most of the things on my list before you run out of them.”

The most popular gifts requested this year were lego sets, iPads and iPods, pets, bikes and Disney’s Frozen merchandise.

As well as letters asking for gifts, there were some heartfelt messages. One child thanked Santa "for giving presents to the world". Another asked after his reindeer and a budding humanitarian asked if Santa “could find a cure for those who have been hit by Ebola and end all wars."

New Zealand Post has been helping Santa and his elves with Christmas letters since 1998.

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