The tradition of children writing letters to Santa Claus rose in popularity in the second half of the nineteenth century in the United States. By the early 1900s, newspapers in south Georgia began publishing these letters in their December issues. They provide amusing and sometimes poignant insight into Christmas culture, familial relationships, charity, war, and consumerism from a century ago. The letters hint at other traditions related to Santa Claus, including his list of good and bad children and the practice of leaving foods for him to eat. The letters reproduced below and hundreds of others can be found in the South Georgia Historic Newspapers Archive.
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Waycross Journal, December 16, 1902
Bainbridge Search Light, December 15, 1911
Daily Times Enterprise (Thomasville), December 24, 1918
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Valdosta Times, December 12, 1905
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Americus Times-Recorder, December 11, 1913
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Daily Times Enterprise (Thomasville), December 24, 1918
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Americus Times-Recorder, December 11, 1913
I still can remember that I also did that before. But I think my parents didn’t send my letter. Now, I can still remember the feeling of expecting santa claus every Christmas Eve. The spirit of Christmas never fails to put smiles on the face of the children Thank you for this post! I honestly remembered my happy memories.
I wish I’d read these letters earlier in the holiday season. They really touched my heart. Thanks so much for posting them.
Thanks for sharing