Wish For Forgotten Charm Of Simplicity This Xmas
First things first, A merry Christmas to all the SHEROES!
It’s cold, sparkly, merry and Sunday :-) Just the perfect day to reminisce about the bygone days. Aah! The charm of old times, when days were simpler and nights quieter.
Christmas is all about spreading happiness and cheer all around us.
When we think of Santa Claus, a big, poofy looking, jolly good fellow with pearl white beard instantly comes into our minds.
I remember as a kid, I felt--still feel--absolutely comfortable placing my demands to Santa. He’s the quintessential good, that we want in our lives.
In late 1870s American children had begun mailing their christmas wishes to Santa. Of course these were undeliverables.
It’s around this time, newspapers started encouraging children to write their Santa wishes and send it to them. These wishes were published and the ‘Santa’ (parents, friends, well wishers and philanthropists) would send out gifts to the needy children.
Sounds just as magical! Let’s take a look at some of the written letters by those kids.
MARIE FROM NEBRASKA- 1896
I feel Marie’s letter subtly calls out on our greed. We wish to conquer the world now. But this sweet girl puts it out in simple words, although she does eye the world with a fence around it, but as she can’t have it, she settles for a dress, a doll and a set of dishes.
Wish we were just as content, with the things in our lives!
PAUL FROM VIRGINIA-1903
Paul has his priorities set and clear. He is efficient enough to place his wish in advance and repeat it for Santa. But, he definitely doesn’t forget his little brother. Since the local doctor couldn’t fix his brother’s teeth, he asked Santa to get some. After all Santa can get anything. The power of magic, you see!
PERCY FROM WEST VIRGINIA- 1903
Percy is all about business. If Santa got his gifts, he promised to think lots of him and even write to Santa once in while.
Perils of using incentivisation as a mode of teaching, parents please do take note.
Also, I hope, Percy asked for women’s choices and preferences, when he grew up!
ROBERT FROM TENNESSEE-1913
Santa must have sent Robert loads of gifts and good wishes. Asking Santa, not to forget his grandma, is simply heart melting :-)
ELEANOR ROM FLORIDA- 1915
Eleanor is the kind of kid, you want to do something for him. His plea for a bicycle, tugs at my heart. I want to be his secret Santa!
MAXWELL FROM FLORIDA
Max is very reasonable when it comes to asking for gifts. As he needs no expensive presents. Just a Shetland Pony, which looks something like this:
….and a cart. That’s all he wants for him and, how could he forget, his sisters.
JOHN FROM NEW MEXICO- 1918
The devastating effects of World War 1 could be gauged by John’s words in the letter. Is this the legacy we want to leave behind. Memories of war and devastation in the impressionable minds of children.
R.B. FROM NEW MEXICO-1922
When all you need is a football. You have to give specific details, even to the Santa!
MERLA FROM FLORIDA- 1915
Merla was very strict about her specific gift options. A doll, doll bed, piano, fruits and candies, and hair ribbons and the list is pretty long for a kid. But hey, she promised to be a good girl, that too for a whole year. That’s a huge deal, right?
These above letters filled me gratitude and has put a smile on my face. To read more of these letters click here. Hopefully it will bring happiness to you too.
With that thought, let's try to be more giving and empathetic towards our fellow SHEROES!
Keep sparkling!
