Linda Dady’s second-grade students nearly bounced out of their seats with excitement just thinking about Christmas but this year, instead of asking for gifts for themselves, they wrote letters to Santa Claus asking for gifts for others.

Research and 20 years of experience have shown Dady, a teacher at Crescent Harbor Elementary School, that students write with enthusiasm when they enjoy the topic so she said writing to Santa is a meaningful learning exercise.

“I enjoy the students’ sense of curiosity and wonderment,” Dady added.

From asking for items for the Help House to requesting world peace, the students opened their hearts to others.

“I want to give a present to my little brother,” Luke McCloskey said. “It’s important because I care about him and he cares about me.”

“I’m asking Santa to give toys for the orphanage because I heard they don’t have very nice toys,” Kiara Lachance said, adding that it’s important “just to be nice to others.”

The students also learned that family is the most important part of the holidays. They illustrated books to tell the story of a girl who thought she needed presents and snow to have a good Christmas.

“She found out that the most important part of Christmas is being with family,” Dady said.

Whether students enjoy the holidays through building gingerbread houses like Holy Gatica-Cortes, watching Christmas movies with family like Makayla Guest or singing carols by the Christmas tree like Ashley Dodson, their excitement for the season is unwavering.

Read some of the students’ letters to Santa below.

Dear Santa,

My name is Katie and I do horse riding in Oak Harbor. I am excited about Jesus’ birth and his death and how he arose on the 3rd day.

Can you deliver something for people around the world? Get ready! I want peace around the world! I wonder how many people are in danger, don’t you? I bet 100,000 people are in danger.

Santa did you and Mrs. Claus have a baby? Can elves get sick in winter? I am leaving cookies for you to eat and a book for you to read to a baby.

Love,

Katie Blaine

Dear Santa,

My name is David. I am a student in Oak Harbor. I play on the swing set.

I don’t want anything this year. Instead buy toys for someone else. Buy them teddy bears and balls. They also might like stuffed monkeys, and Star Wars toys.

How are the elves are they ready for Christmas? I want to know how do you get all the presents delivered one day?

From,

David Knippers

Dear Santa,

My name is Sam and I’m a second grade student in Oak Harbor. This year I’m excited about going to California for Christmas.

Santa take the money you will use for me and give it to other people because they need more than I do. Please give especially to the poor, orphans, community, and Help House.  Santa can you get other people more things?  I have enough stuff, and they need more things than I do.

How are the reindeer doing? Do you ride in the same sleigh every year? I might leave some yummy cookies but it’s a surprise. I also might leave some carrots for your reindeer. I hope this year is your best Christmas.

Sincerely,

Samuel Van Dreumel

Dear Santa,

Hi my name is Makayla. I am 7 years old. I do hard work at school. Washington is where I live the city of Oak Harbor. I am excited for Christmas and the reindeer. I will enjoy all of it.

Can you get something for the homeless please. Will you please get something not for me. I am too spoiled right now. You should get something for the families that are homeless because I don’t need those things they need more than me now.

Hey, Santa how are you tonight? How are your elves doing? Do they help you deliver at each house? Guess what I’m leaving you? I am leaving you some fudge cookies! Boy you will be full! How is Rudolph doing? Have a nice and safe journey.

Love,

Makayla Guest