A preserved 1915 letter to Santa Claus went viral this week because of its touching modesty: A box of paint, a school bag, and a bit of candy were the only requests on the list. And it got us wondering: How have Santa letters changed over the decades?
A century ago, kids were unassuming and didn't ask for much; they became more and more emboldened over the decades, but it wouldn't be until almost the 1970s that they'd start really requesting items by brand name (thanks, TV advertising).
"Now they have a more serious intent," Fontana tells Yahoo Shine. "People talk about how they're poor, are living on low incomes — some even send their tax returns to prove it."
That's because parents know the USPS program makes its letters available to the public, who can choose one to honor with generous gifts. "The biggest change is how many single moms are writing, making close to minimum wage, asking for the basics — clothing, even food," he says.
For example, in 1905, when less than 10 percent of U.S. households had electricity and the life expectancy was just 47 years, the biggest requests in letters published in the Constitution newspaper in Atlanta included apples, oranges, nuts, raisins, candy, a storybook, and even a Christmas tree.
"I want you to bring me some goodies and some toys but I don't want much for myself, but I want you to bring Uncle Si a good mule…," wrote one boy. "Please send Si a good mule. If you don't, bring me nothing."
1920s
Even at the start of an economic boom, children were mindful not to be greedy. "Will you please bring me a doll and a [thermal] bottle as I have to take my lunch to school every day. And I want a pair of woolen stockings and nuts and candy," wrote one girl that year in the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune. Another girl asked for a sewing box, paints, one pencil, a storybook and a tree, noting, "I'm not going to ask for many things because the toys are real high this year."
1930s
Once the stock market crashed, kids actually dreamed a little bigger, with letters published in Texas's Wellington Leader in 1934 asking for footballs, dolls, and a tricycle, along with the requisite nuts, fruits and candies.
"Dear Old Santa," wrote one high-reaching child named Leroy McDaniels. "I'm a little boy who lives at Plymouth. I want you to bring me a new car, a cowboy suit, a gun, and some fancy house shoes. Please don't forget little Willa."
now we have more sophisticated ways to advertise directly aimed at your kid, keeping up with the Jones makes parents go in over their head 100.00 video games and sneakers what they don't realize is the Jones are trying to keep up too. humility is a choice more so than a destiny we choose to do these things for better or worst. spoiling a kid or mate with extravagances only emboldens their resolve to ask for more.
1980s and 1990s
"Please bring me a pair of Chic pants and some games," read one to-the-point letter in the Seguin Gazette Enterprise, in Texas, in 1982. At the top of other lists, which read like a nostalgic time capsule, were: Atari, Strawberry Shortcake dolls, an E.T. toy, a BMX bike, and an "AM/FM cassette recorder." Also in Texas, letters in a 1994 issue of the Galveston Daily News requested ten-speed bikes, Super Nintendo, Power Rangers, and a "big boombox." And, from a girl named Candace Johnson who wanted it all: a Tiffany styling doll, Easy-Bake Oven, Katie Kiss 'n Giggles doll, a Skipper doll ("and her boyfriend and her sister's boyfriend") and some McDonald's.
It's not until the start of the 2000s that things start to sound familiar, with Xbox, Legos, a Gameboy, and Bratz dolls topping wish lists — making those apples, candies, and books seem more precious than ever.
your job to teach your kid when you can be extravagant and when to humble yourself, after most learn how to do that themselves.
