Christmas in the Kootenays is special in many ways. There are concerts galore, and Fort Steele Heritage Town to explore. There is Candy Cane Lane, and snow mixed with rain. There are the homeless to feed, and letters to read.

And speaking of letters, I've been perusing the Letters to Santa pages of a number of East and West Kootenay newspapers, and would like to share a few observations.

One thing that struck me was how few presents children actually ask for when they write to the man in the red suit. Oh, there are a few kids who compile extensive and meticulous lists of stuff that they simply must have. But they are the exception.

The vast majority of letter writers ask for only one or two gifts, often on the modest side, and it is clear that what they really want is a world that seeks justice and loves kindness (sounds positively Biblical, doesn't it?).

There is the four-year-old who asks for just one Barbie. I think that's all, she says, then adds, Oh, one more thing. I know what it is. I love you.

Another child asks only for playdough, because his is all dried up, and, oh, maybe a few pirates.

Yet another child asks for a candy cane and a present (that's singular; just one present will do nicely for this young lad). Another child says she is crafty, so would like, simply, a good quality colouring book.

A young lady says she would love it if the world was a peaceful place and full of love. Three young lads wish for peace in their family (with three boys in one household, this might be a tall order!).

An eight-year-old boy admits to wanting a microscope and spy kit, then suggests Santa give the rest to children who have no toys.

Then there is the young man who wants money for his mom, a nice day at work for his dad, and a good Christmas for his big brother, little brother and sister. His own wants and needs seem to be the last thing on his mind. Oh, and he wants lots of peace for the world, too.

Money and job concerns seem to have filtered down to other young letter writers. My mom needs a job, writes one child, and my dad would like to get his truck fixed.

The recent flu scare is also on children's minds. One child assures Santa that she got her H1N1 shot. The needle really hurt and I cried and my mommy cried too, she writes, poignantly. Another child wants to know if the swine floo (his spelling) has made its way to the North Pole.

Some of the missives remind the reader that we do, indeed, live in the Kootenays. More than one letter writer notes that his dad would like a quad for Christmas, while another thinks Santa should bring daddy a camouflage toque. Yet another child requests a new fly rod, with a few flies if possible, for his papa.

A number of children would prefer live pets over material goods. One would like a black kitten (and already has its name picked out: Blacky). Another little one writes, childish spelling and all: I wis for a real dog. I wis a ral puppy. I wis for a ginea pig.

Some kids had things on their mind that they simply wanted to tell Santa.

Did you know that I made a tunnel in the snow all by myself? says one child.

I found a rock at the bus that was colourful, reports another.

I love cookies. I climb a ladder, another child tells Santa.

I've always wanted to come see you at the North Pole, but MOM won't let me, says still another (drat those pesky parents!). Another young lady says she wants a mom that is just like her own mom, but she goes and gets her whatever she wants. Another child offers St. Nick a warning: Watch out, Santa, he says, my mom's cookies are horrible.

The naughty versus nice question still preys on kids' minds, and they are painfully honest in their assessment of their own behaviour.

I believe I have been bad this year because I have not been listening, but I am sorry, says one little girl.

I have been good this year, says another girl, then thinks to add this: I am a bit mean to my brother.

Other children are more confident.

I have been excellent, says one lad.

I am good when I am sick because I don't eat candy or run around the house, says a young girl.

What also struck me very strongly when reading these letters was the intense curiosity of youngsters. More than a few of the letter writers didn't even bother to ask for presents, but rather presented Santa with question after question. (After all, as one child noted in his Santa letter: You know everything.)

Here are some of the things kids want to know:

Is Rudolph still a little baby?

How do you build an igloo?

Do you know how many polar bears are in the North Pole?

Why are you red and white?

Do you have a special elf?

Do the elves sleep at night? Are the elves tired from making toys? Do you spank your elves if they're misbehaving?

What size are your pants? What size are your elves' shoes?

Why do you have a red nose? Did a bee sting you?

Do you like the Pittsburgh team? (That one is clearly from a hockey fan.)

How is Mrs. Claus? Is she sick or not sick? (Perhaps this child also has H1N1 on her mind.)

Finally, and most touching of all, a child asks this question of Santa Claus:

Why won't God fix the world?

Maybe we can give Him or Her a hand in 2010.

Merry Christmas!