It’s unanimous! Local kids all say they’ve been nice
|
As might be expected, the question brought about one-sided answers as most kids took the opportunity to say a few positive words about themselves in hopes it might improve their stock with Jolly Ol’ Saint Nickolaus.
“I’m not mean and I stay out of trouble,” said 12-year-old Trisha Higgins. “I even help my mom without pay.”
For her good behavior, Trisha thinks she should be rewarded. “I’d like roller skates,” she said. “And for my mom and dad to have a good Christmas.”
Still trying to earn those brownie points aren’t you Trisha?
The image of Santa Claus that Americans hold today began to be shaped in 1808 by author Washington Irving who wrote of Santa riding over treetops in a horse-drawn wagon and dropping presents down chimneys.
This image was crafted further by Dr. Clement Clark Moore in 1822 in “The Night Before Christmas.” That’s when eight tiny reindeer replaced the horses and Santa’s belly was said to shake like “a bowl full of jelly” when he laughed.
While it’s harder to pin down when Santa began to examine a list of children who have been naughty and nice, the custom is believed to have been created in the early 1900s and is still followed today.
“I’ve been nice,” maintained Robert Eschenbacher, 8. “I made treat bags for the boys at Taft Youth Center with my Boy Scout troop and I’ve helped my granny.”
Added 3-year-old Conner Bruce, “I pick up my toys for mom and dad and helped Nana decorate the Christmas tree.”
So what do today’s children want in exchange for their good behavior? If you’re a teenage girl, there aren’t many options.
“I’d like clothes,” said Heather Woodlee, 14. “Just clothes.”
But if you’re an 8-year-old boy, the choices are much different.
“I’d like to get a Gamecube and three games, a remote-controlled Bey Blade and a Transformer that’s jet-fired,” said Hunter Bess.