A Canadian car passing the Frontier between Belgium and Germany, surrounded by German and Belgian children. Dec. 1918.

“Dear Santa, I am going to tell you what I want for Xmas. Dear Santa,  would like a camera and a pair of kid gloves. I think that is all I would need till next year. Dear Santa, I would be very much pleased if I could get these two toys, as my Daddy is fighting in France, but we all must remember the poor Belgiums.”

I remain your friend, Lily Wilkinson
234a Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario

“Dear Santa – This year, all I want is a seven-foot toboggan, seeing it is war-time. I hope the Germans don’t shoot you. If someone who is poor and wants a toboggan, you can give him mine, because I have a sleigh that will do until next year.”

Love from Goulding Haskett
86 Third Avenue, Ottawa Ontario

The letters illustrate both a time of conflict and peace. Children innocently asking for toys and candy, and others being entirely selfless – asking for items ONLY if they are possible to acquire, or for someone else rather than themselves.

From a genealogical perspective, these letters offer quite a bit of information. They list the child’s first and last name, sometimes a listing of siblings – and in many cases their home address. Children’s christmas letters submitted to local newspapers offer a treasure trove of information! Not to mention, many of these letters would be lovely presents for family members, or as artwork to display.

All in all, it’s interesting to see the world of 1916 through the eyes of children.

These letters display not only toy choices of the time period, but epitomize the Canadian struggles of being a child without a father or brother, trying to make the best of of their situation; all while sustaining their faithful Christmas spirit.

Maybe one day, someone will be looking at our letters… what kind of story will they tell?

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

xo – Alex Inspired


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alex.inspired

I've run off with his car, gone back to my ma and pa, telling tales of parrot heads and parties...

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