Letters to Santa From 100 Years Ago

Do you remember writing letters to Santa Claus? What did you ask for? Every year, children all around the world take a moment to ask Santa for gifts for being good during the year.

The Mountainair Independent, December 21, 1916 / MyHeritage SuperSearch

Have you ever wondered what your ancestors may have asked for 100 years ago? Newspapers often printed children’s letters to Santa. Common gift requests included dolls, firecrackers, candy, and fruits, particularly apples and oranges.

See what children wrote to Santa Claus 100 years ago:

The Hayti Herald, December 21, 1916 / MyHeritage SuperSearch

Like a good big brother, little Tommy Jones asked for gifts not only for himself but also for his brother and sister. For his sister, he asks for a “big doll with curly hair and sleepy eyes, dressed prettily and with rosy red cheeks.” For his little brother, he asks for a drum, a tin horn and a fine big picture book. As for himself, Tommy requests Santa bring him a gun, sled, skates and “a whole lots of fruits and fire works.”

The Commonwealth, December 21, 1916 / Library of Congress

Six-year-old Erma Pearson asked Santa for a doll carriage and tea set. And she made sure Santa knew how to find her home.

The Dresden Enterprise, December 22, 1916 / Library of Congress

J. Douglas Gibbs was a good little boy, helping his father bring in wood and dry the dishes for his mother. He asked Santa for an air gun, a billy goat wagon and candy and fruit.

The County Record, December 21, 1916 / Library of Congress

Cousins Bertha McElveen and Kathleen Wallace asked Santa for dolls and fruits and candy.

The Mountainair Independent, December 21, 1916 / MyHeritage SuperSearch

Joel Thomas East requested gifts for his entire family before listing the gifts he would like for the year: a third reader book, candy, apples, oranges, some marbles, one stuly, a little desch phone and a little lantern.

The Morgan Country Press, December 21, 1916 / Library of Congress

In addition to firecrackers and a train, Walter Stone wanted a climbing monkey and Uncle Same on a bicycle for Christmas.

The Pensacola Journal, December 22, 1916 / Library of Congress

Bryan Jones wanted to be a washer in a laundry when he grew up, so he asked for a washing machine, washboard and soap. He also requested a nice dolly and some fruit for his “dearest little playmate Aina Anderson.”

Did you write letters to Santa as a child? What did you ask for?