So what do Otago and Southland children have to say to Santa? Here is a selection of their letters.
"Dear Santa . . .
I have been good honestly so please no lumps of coal are wanted as we have not got a fireplace anymore.
Your sincerely Ariana."
"Dear Santa . . .
I have high hopes of being on your good list.
I appreciate you going around the world in your big sleigh giving and occasionally getting presents.
I will give you some cookies and a beer, a carrot for the reindeer and a treat.
Happy New Year and Christmas.
I love you, I trust you.
Love Bob.
PS: I don't really care what I get for Christmas."
"Dear Santa . . .
For Christmas this year I would like a Ben 10 toy and a space rocket.
Thank you.
Love from James.
PS: Why doesn't Dad get any presents from Santa?"
"Dear Santa . . .
A violin please and thank you.
Love Ted."
"Dear Santa, Mrs Claus and the Elves . . .
How are you all? For Christmas can I please have, in order from most want - blue or green mp3 player, horse and art stuff . . .
Have a good time delivering presents.
Love Jade."
"Dear Santa.
Please may I have a unicorn.
I love you Jessica."
"To Mrs Claus, Santa and Rudoff [sic] . . .
I hope you have a great day on Christmas.
I love you all and I hope I will see you on Christmas.
Love from McKenzie."
"To Father Christmas . . .
Could you please give me a bow and arrow and suprises [sic].
From Hugo."
"Dear Santa . . .
Hope you have a good life at the North Pole.
How deep is the ice?
From Zandrie."
"Dear Santa . . .
I would like lollies inside a stick please.
Zoe."
"To Santa . . .
I have been a good boy all year.
I have been playing and going to swimming lessons and putting my head under water.
I would like a new sword because my other one is broken.
Thank you.
Love Aidan."
"Dear Santa . . .
I wonder what you are doing? Does Rudolf still have his shiny nose? I don't want much for Christmas.
All I want is a new school bag and mp3 player and besides that any thing.
Please write back.
From Isabella."
"Dear Santa . . .
I'm ready for you to come.
I have been good.
I will have food for your reindeer and you.
I hope you travel safely."
"Dear Santa . . .
For this Christmas I would like a flying fox set please.
PS: Get Dad a barbecue."
"Dear Father Christmas . . .
I hope you are well in the North Pole and all your elf helpers are also in good health.
I have been very good, could you please send me . . . schooter [sic], scate board [sic] . . . prince for my Mum.
Love Phoebe."
"Dear Santa Claus . . .
How are Mrs Claus and Rudolph.
I bet Rudolph is very excited about Christmas.
Talking about Christmas could I please have some more Beados, the Lego truck workshop, a new Hannah Montana 2010 calendar and a nice necklace.
From Hayley.
PS: I hope you have a good Christmas."
"Dear Santa . . .
Don't worry, I won't forget to put out a can of milk and some chocolate chip cookies.
I know how hard it is travelling around the whole world in one night.
Love Lily."
"Dear Santa . . .
Thank you for all the gifts last year.
I loved them all.
How do you do it in one night? It's impossible if you're not magic . . .
From Olivia."
