One hundred Christmases ago, like today, children all over the world were writing letters to Santa Claus.
Unlike today, some of the items listed are a tad unconventional; I don’t know of any children who write to Santa asking for fruit and nuts nowadays.
The year 1916 brought on many challenges – especially that of the Great War.
The War began in July of 1914, with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria (heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary) by Yugoslav nationalist Gavrilo Princip. Within weeks the major powers were at war, the conflict spread and the British Empire (Canada) was heavily involved.
Many of the letters to Santa (below), illustrate two totally different worlds. I have specifically looked for letters from both Canadian and American children. At this time, the United States has not yet entered the war.
The children’s letters evoke various emotions, (I have transcribed them as they were written) take a look.
Dear Santa…
“I am a little girl, just three years old. I met you at the train, but you were so big and round I was afraid to get near you to tell you what I wanted you to bring me for Xmas, so I’ll send you this letter.
I have a soldier boy, a big mama doll, and a piano for her, but I want you to bring me a cute little baby doll for her, so she can rock it to sleep, and Santa, I do love black mammy dolls, so bring me one, and a little doll buggy and bed, and lots of other nice things that you can find at the Valley, where you stay. I will be at the Valley soon to see you, and may tell you of some other things I want. Now Santa I do hope you can squeeze down the chimney and please don’t break my dollies buggy.”
Your little Friend, Themla Nelson
Vicksburg Mississippi (1916)

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