The first believed letter to Santa in the UK, which dates back to 1883, has been uncovered – and it’s adorable.
The note, penned by six-year-old Janet, asked for various gifts for herself and her family members.
It was published in the Leeds Mercury on 22 December, and reads: “Please bring a doll to me with a cradle, and a trumpet to Jimmie, and some other thing to Ma and Pa.”
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The sweet letter had various spelling mistakes, which the paper chose to retain for authenticity.
It had been sent to the publication, who said: “The printer could easily have put Jane’s [sic] note into better shape, but then it would have been his and not hers, and it might not in that case have reached Santa Claus, which it is sure to do now.
“Jane [sic] herself no doubt will put the paper just where Santa Claus will see it.
“He is coming.”
It comes as research from Ancestry found that as many as 75% of children still send letters to Father Christmas – with 83% still opting for the traditional handwritten note.
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What has changed, however, is the contents of such letters – with branded toys like Peppa Pig and Bluey likely to feature in wish lists for modern children Janet’s age.
Ancestry shared other letters which had selfless requests, including one from the Hampshire Telegraph and Naval Chronicle in 1898 which read: “Please fill my brother’s stocking if you don’t have much, leave mine.”
Another kind note, published in The Omskirk Advertiser in 1940, said: “Don’t forget the evacuees and poor children Santa.”
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Meanwhile a 1950 note in the Evening News & Star showed increasingly modern requests, including one for a train set and a bike.
Ancestry Family History Expert and Genealogist, Laura House, said in a statement shared with What’s The Jam: “Letters to Santa’ appear in UK newspapers as early as 1883, giving us a rare glimpse into the dreams and values of children from the Victorian era to the present day.
“Children’s toys and gadgets change over the centuries, and their requests become more humble during major events like the Second World War; but with a toy trumpet making the wish list in 1883 and a CD in 1993, themes like music hold strong through the generations.”
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