Seven hundred Wanganui children wrote to Santa Claus at the North Pole this year.
NZ Post spokeswoman Sandy Huijink said the Wanganui kids had not only been very creative, but they had been very caring and most had written their own letters.
"A lot of children had emailed us as well."
But thesmall letter-writers had decorated their requests with pictures of reindeers, stars and what they think Santa looks like.
Children had until December 15 to write to Santa Claus, Santa's Workshop, North Pole 0001, or they could email Santa from a link at www.nzpost.co.nz/christmas.
Traditional toys were very popular requests in Wanganui, with bicycles at the top of the list..
"So many children in Wanganui asked for bicycles."
Others asked for Lego, balls, toys for a sandpit and Barbie dolls.
One kid asked for a baby for Christmas while another reminded Santa that they'd be at Nana's for Christmas, so could he please bring their gifts to Nana's house. Quotes from some of the Wanganui letters:
- Dear Santa, I would like a new bike and some more bubble bath. And can I come for a ride with you, please?
- Hello Santa, I would like anything, I like dolls and cars and books and puzzles :) thanks heaps xxx.
- Hello Santa, Do you want any help? I could wrap parcels for you if you like.
- To Santa, do you think I have been good this year? Hope you are ready for Christmas Eve. I would please like for Christmas, sunglasses, big basketball hoop, rollerblades, a flute, a car and a basketball. I will bake you some biscuits and we will leave the reindeer some apples.
- Dear Santa, please come through the door with the key mum said you have, our chimney is too small.
