Editor’s Note: While the Christmas traditions we now observe seem to have deep roots, the reality is that the celebration of the holiday has changed even in recent years. In this daily series until Christmas Eve, we look back at local Christmases past.

Children writing letters to Santa Claus is a tradition dating back more than a century. Over the years, the Daily News printed many of these letters as they offer a unique glimpse of Christmases past. Here are some of the letters from the Daily News archives:

1930:

Dear Santa: I am a little girl six years old. I help Mamma Paschal wash dishes and sweep the floors. I want you to bring be a doll buggy and some new clothes for my big doll, bring me a set of little china dishes and a stove. Some candy, nuts and fruits of all kinds. Your Little Friend, Estelle Paschal, Route 29962, Bowling Green. P.S. Don’t forget little Laverne Thomas. She lives on Clay street.

Dear Santa Claus: I am nine years old. I want a 1500 shot air rifle, a story book, a book bag and nuts and fruits. From Corbin Reed

Dear Santa: I will write you a few lines to tell you what to bring me. I am a little girl 11 years old and I want a writing desk, a cedar chest, a good story book and nuts, fruit and candy. Please don’t forget my little baby sister. Yours loving, Virginia Compton

Dear Old Santa: I am a little girl six years old so I thought I would drop you a few lines to let you know what I want for Christmas. Please bring me a doll, doll buggy and lots of doll clothes. Please don’t forget my fruit, nuts and candy. Will love you always, Della Compton

1944

Dear Santa: I am a little girl seven years old. I go to Browning school. I have missed four days due to a broken arm. I want you to bring me a doll with yellow curls, doll clothes, nuts and candy. Please don’t forget my little brother, John Wayne, who is only three years old. Thank you. Barbara June Smith, Rockfield, Route 1

Dear Santa Claus: I want a doll and cradle with some clothes. I want a little bicycle. I want a paper doll book. I want some candy and nuts and oranges and apples. I am in school in the second grade. I am eight years old. Love, Dorothy Devasher, Woodburn

Dear Santa: I am six years old, this is my first year at school. I want a doll, some dishes, two tablets and two pencils. Jim wants a toy cow. Thank you Santa. Marjorie Ann Register, Route 6

Dear Santa Claus: I want you to bring me a doll with an evening dress and blonde curls. Also dishes and a story book, fruits, candies and nuts. I will be a good girl. Sincerely yours, Sarah Frances Roddy, 230 West Fifteenth street

Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl seven years old and I want a doll with pigtails and slacks and that goes to sleep. Please bring me some dishes and clothes, candies, nuts and fruit. I will be a good girl. Sincerely yours, Betty Fay Roddy, 230 West Fifteenth street

1988

Dear Santa: for Christmas I want a ten speed bike, a pair of stonewashed jeans, a scarf, a new V.C.R., a new pair of boots, a waterproof watch. My little brother would like a picture of you and a new toy box please. Heather Raye, Age 10

Dear Santa: My name is Laura Beth Roberson. I’ve been good this year. So I want you to bring me a Pee-Wee Herman doll, baby doll, clothes, boots, rocking horse, books, games and microphone. I guess that’s all for now. Yours truly, Beth