Kiwi kids' brutal honesty stuns Santa

A recurring theme from Christchurch children's letters is for Santa to make the 'ground stop shaking' for December 25. Photo / Supplied

There's some pretty brutal honesty from children trying to charm their way into Santa's good books this year, New Zealand Post spokesman Michael Tull says.

Three and a half thousand Kiwi kids have written to the North Pole via NZPost and they've been thinking long and hard about whether they're on the big man's naughty or nice list.

Mr Tull has read through many of the letters where children confess that it's a struggle for them to be nice all the time.

"You look at where the kids have been talking about their behaviour over the last year and there's all this honest evaluation. It's not just 'yeah, I've been good'," he said.

One girl writes: "My mum says I will get a potato in my stocking if you think I have been naughty so I am trying really hard to be good as I would like some more Barbies please."

Some take a more threatening approach to the jolly man.

One girl (name withheld) writes: "Dear Santa, I have been a very naughty girl and not been nice to my parents but I am hoping to get a present or else I will cause lots of problems for my parents."

While children are quick to ask for the latest toy or gadget, overwhelmingly most children write about how much they're looking forward to the holidays, spending time with their loved ones and how much love they have for the family, Mr Tull said.

A theme from Christchurch children's letters is for Santa to make the "ground to stop shaking," for December 25.

For clarity some letters have been transcribed so spelling is a little clearer before they're forwarded on.

Going through the letters has been one of the best jobs Mr Tull reckons he's ever had.

His own 3-year-old Naomi asked Santa for "bubbles" in her letter, something he reckoned she'd be in with a chance of receiving.

"This year has been a rollercoaster of a year for New Zealand, and this was a wonderfully refreshing opportunity to reflect on the joy our younger generation feels towards their families and toward the Christmas season.

"A sense of happy loving families and of pure optimism and enthusiasm shines through in most of these letters," he said.

Top letters

"I want a new book because I ate most of my books!! Mummy says I must be a goat."

"Hello Santa, you said I have been lying, but I haven't. I am a good boy. This year I would like the police Lego set that you couldn't find last year. I have been very patient."

"I am 8 years old. I would like Kathmandu jacket, Wii, cooking stuff, a pet fish, and lollies. One more thing Santa, my older sister who is 25 would love a boyfriend for Christmas. He has to be rich and hot."

"I would like a box so I can make stuff with it."

"I really want to get a fence, so we can get a dog. A little dog that can sleep inside, and that is fluffy and cuddly."

"I will leave your milk and cookies out, if they are not there Dad will have eaten them. Don't leave him a present if he has."

Write to santa

Children have until Wednesday to write to Santa if they want a reply before the big day.

Write to Santa Claus, c/o Santa's Workshop, North Pole 0001 or visit the website nzpost.co.nz/christmas.

Include your full name and mailing address.