Collections Corner: Earl’s letter to Santa

The letter to Santa is a time-honored tradition, in which children are expected to prove that their good behavior over the past year justifies their list of desired presents. The tradition extends to many countries; some children mail their letters through the post office to a special North Pole mailbox; others put the letters in the chimney for Santa to find. These days online templates are available to help craft the perfect request.

This letter to Santa from “Earl” was discovered in History San Jose’s collection, and is full of classic toys including a spinning top, model train, and rocking horse. Earl certainly has a long list of presents he’d like from Santa; he says he’s “tried” to be a good boy, and he’s used the most important word, “please.” How would you rate Earl’s efforts? Should he have put in a few kind words for Mrs. Claus? Will Santa overlook his spelling errors? Does he really need that much candy?

Earl’s Letter to Santa transcription

Dear Santa Clause Please bring me a indain doll and a engine that will run on the track and a rocking horse and bring me a jumping jack and bring me a top that when i spin it it will sing and bring me a box of fire crackers and a little house full of candy with a little door so when I want to eat some of the candy I can get it out. I would like to have a box of little round candies so when I eat all of the candy up out of the house I can have some more and I want some pretty red and blue stripped marbles Santa Clause I have tried to be a good boy this year From your little boy Earl. and bring me a horn