Letters share Christmas cheer, fears

Good little girls and boys from Pike County – and those who aren’t so sure if they are on the naughty or nice list – wrote letters to Santa Claus in the Journal-Reporter’s special Letters to Santa section on pages 1-8B.

Maverick W. confessed in his letter, writing, “I have been both nice and a little naughty. He went on to ask for art supplies, new shoes and a chapter book. Stetson L. was convinced of his good behavior … but not his brother’s behavior.

“I have been so nice and a great brother this year,” he wrote. “Could I please have a good brother? I really don’t think I need anything. The book I would like is I Like Football.”

Hannah C. in Carley Rainey’s class wrote, “Dear Santa, I have been ish nice this year. Have Tac and Tole been nice? (Check the spelling on these elves names please). Could I please have Nintendo Games? Merry Christmas!”

Some kids wanted to share their gifts with their parents, including Moriah Smith who requested “a Nintendo Switch, a dirt bike and a wig to put on my Dad” and Piera Landers who wrote,” I would love a … BANANA so on Christmas Day I can eat it or hit my dad with it.”

Several students mentioned their teachers, including a student in Jessica Dewberry’s first grade class who wrote, “I want boats and planes … Mrs. Dewberry is the best teacher in the world. Love, Clayton” and Aliyah Lufton who asked for a My Teacher is the Best shirt.

Several kids made requests for others, including Kynzley Barnes who wrote, “I would really like for you to help the people who got hit by the hurricane” and Cainan from Amy Jones’ class who wrote, “I hope I’m on the good list! I hope the Grinch doesn’t come around this year. I hope my friends get their presents as well as me.”

Levi J. wrote, “Dear Santa, what I want for Christmas is Akedos and a VR set and video games and some Legos and I want my sister to have some Christmas spirit.”

Hunter Weldon requested new toys for his cats Binx and Cupcake.

With the winter chill setting in early this Christmas season, there were lots of requests for warm and fuzzy blankets and clothing.

Noah Evans wrote, “I love snow but it never snows. Maybe you can make that happen. So, if I’m on the naughty list, you don’t have to give me these. Can I please have a gaming chair and a wireless mouse and a giant? I’m trying to be nice and if I’m on the naughty list, you don’t have to get me a PS5 for Christmas.”

In addition to the usual pleas for Legos, slime, bikes and popular electronics (VR sets were the most requested techonolgy), there was a wide variety of requests with Tinsley Hammock writing, “ I would like a puppy and a donkey” and Aurturo M. of Gabby Thurston’s second grade class writing, “Dear Santa, one thing that I want for Christmas is world peace. I would also like a book about Ants.” Lacey asked for an American Girl doll and a deer rifle and Easton Whitfield requested “the world’s most biggest paper.”

One popular toy this year is the Yoga Goat which wears a headband, moves her head, swishes her tail, drinks from a water bottle and does yoga poses including downward facing dog and bird dog.

Another frequently requested toy was a Cookeez which looks like a small refrigerator and includes a surprise gift. Kids mix up the included ingredients and shape and then place a ball of dough in the fridge. When they open the door again, it is magically replaced with a new, interactive plush friend that is scented like sweets.