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(CNN) ––
Jonah wants nothing from Santa Claus (or Father Christmas) this year, except a cure for the coronavirus.
Anthony told Santa that he wants a magic button that he can push to steer him away from the grueling reality of the pandemic.
Jasmyne's Christmas list is short and to the point.
"This year, I would like the end of covid-19, world peace, climate control, a new Xbox," he wrote.
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In their letters to Santa Claus, children across America still ask for toys, clothes, Legos, and video games.
But in a year marked by disease and uncertainty, a review of letters addressed to the North Pole and compiled by the Post Office's Operation Santa program reveals that the pandemic is hitting children hard.
Some implored Santa to make the coronavirus disappear.
Others ask for masks for Christmas.
Others write about online challenges or how their parents can't buy gifts this year because they lost their jobs.
Dear Santa, Jonah wrote. I don't want anything for Christmas. But, I'd like to ask you if you can do me a favor. Could you find a cure for covid-19 and give it to us to save the world? Thank you".
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The Postal Service helps fulfill wishes made to Santa Claus
The Postal Service began receiving letters addressed to Santa Claus more than a century ago.
Operation Santa dates back to 1912. That year, Frank Hitchcock, postmaster general at the time, allowed postal workers to open and respond to letters addressed to the North Pole.
Post offices worked with volunteers who agreed to "adopt" letters from children in need and send them items on their wish lists.
In 2017, the effort was carried out through the internet for some major cities.
This year, for the first time, the United States Postal Service (USPS) posted all the letters on its Operation Santa website, for the convenience of Samaritans across the country who want to help children and their families. families.
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The Postal Service encourages volunteer donors to connect, choose a child's letter to "adopt," and complete a registration form.
The donor then buys the gifts and takes them to the local post office.
There, a postal worker compares the number on the letter with the child's address and mails them.
For privacy reasons, donors do not have access to recipients' addresses.
Children open up to a figure like Santa, because he is seen as a helpful and reliable LGUIEN that conveys joy.
This was explained by child psychologist Avital Cohen, founder of Peachtree Pediatric Psychology in Atlanta.
“What I read in these letters is that children are really thinking about the needs of their parents or the world.
And not just on your own wishes this year.
(Although, of course, some kids ask for gifts they want this year, which is to be expected!), ”Cohen said in an email to CNN.
“Mr. Rogers is known for saying to look for those who can help us in fearful situations.
This is our chance to be the people we help and our children to be, even in small ways, ”Cohen insisted.
Since October, children and adults in the US have sent more than 10,000 notes and cards to Santa Claus this year.
Many of which reflect the hardships of 2020, said Kimberly Frum, a USPS spokeswoman.
“2020 has had its share of challenges that affect individuals and families in many ways.
Covid-19 resulted in job losses, temporary unemployment, and sadly the loss of family and friends, ”Frum said in an email sent to CNN.
“The program has always been about providing Christmas gifts to families who may not have the means to cover something in addition to the basic daily needs.
This year, there are likely to be more families affected financially and emotionally.
Most of the letters to Santa have already been adopted by donors, Frum said.
Postal workers will continue to post new letters on the website until December 15.
Many children's letters to Santa reflect the reality of life in 2020
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In an unprecedented Christmas season, with Santas wearing masks behind Plexiglass barriers, the annual tradition of writing letters to the North Pole can provide children with a bit of normalcy.
But the feelings in many of his letters are not entirely normal.
A 13-year-old girl from Texas named Kimberly was no different than many boys when she asked Santa for AirPods.
But he also asked for gifts for his three brothers and for his money-strapped parents.
Among them, an exercise machine for his mother and a waterproof jacket for his stepfather.
«This year has been difficult for everyone due to covid-19.
My stepfather is the only one who works and due to covid-19 he had to stop working full time.
Now he works less due to covid.
And all the money he receives is to pay the rent and the bills, ”he wrote.
“My parents think that I am writing this for my brothers and for myself.
But I want to surprise you with everything you have done this year.
Alani, 9, asked for some Legos and a gift card for her mom.
He drew a smiling girl with curly hair standing next to Santa, a joyous scene that belied the sad tone of his letter.
«Dear Santa, this year has been hard ... because of crona ... My mom said she can't buy me anything for Christmas because they don't pay her so much. So you can't pay anything, ”he
wrote.
Savannah, a girl from Massachusetts, included a confession and an apology.
"PS I'm sorry if I have misbehaved," he wrote. “It is very difficult because of the covid-19 and the online school… I am trying to be good. I hope you understand".
Nhea, a girl from Florida, seemed a little more hopeful in her letter, in which she asked Santa if the pandemic had reached the North Pole.
«Is there covid where you are?
If not, I just want to tell you that you are lucky, "he wrote.
"Dad says that even though he lost his job, we'll still find a way to celebrate."
Then there's Andy, a 5-year-old in California, who asked Santa for a Nintendo Switch for himself and his little brother.
He closed his letter with the desire to return to normal life after the pandemic.
And he practically spoke for everyone.
"I wish the covid was over so we could hug each other," he wrote.
Letterscovid-19PandemicSanta Claus
