Covid-19 is not only top of mind but top of some Christmas lists this year.
"I want this Covid to be over and go back to our normal life or at least the numbers to decrease," 12-year-old Kholo, from East London, wrote to Santa in a letter shared with the Sunday Times by her parents.
Her 12-year-old cousin Onwaba wrote: "I want a long life for my grandfather, my mom, all my aunts, my cousins and just generally everyone I know and love. I want lots of sneakers and clothing. And this Covid thing really needs to be put behind us."
She added: "Academically, I need help cause I'm going to high school. I'm excited but nervous academically and socially. I just want to have a great year."
Shah, 8, from Cape Town, told Santa that 2020 has been "quite hectic", adding: "I hope you and Mrs Claus are doing well during Covid-19. So for Christmas I want: a Prime Empire Ninjago playset, the new Hot Wheels garage, a voice-activated Transformer [and] a Barcelona FC soccer ball."
Lina, 11, from Port Elizabeth, told Santa that 2020 was not too bad as he was able to spend time with his grandparents in Cata, Keiskammahoek.
"This year has not been [as] bad as I thought it would be," wrote Lina. "I got to spend three months at my grandparents' home, which was like a dream come true until we had to start homework. I think I would really want a hoverboard as I did enjoy riding it. I would love to see the North Pole."
Four-year-old Buhle from Pretoria wrote to Santa: "This year can I have a doll [a big one]. Please don't forget to wear your mask and sanitise."
Nkashase, 9, also from Pretoria, asked Santa for a R4,000 hoverboard, an R184 soccer ball, a R2,500 bike, "an electric Lamborghini, my size", R1,000 of LED lights for his room and "5 x 13,500 V-Bucks [which, for bewildered adults, is the currency used in the online game Fortnite]". But he received a disappointing response.
"Dear Son. Unfortunately Santa is in isolation after he contracted Covid-19. However, should he recover I will make sure that he gets your letter," it said.
Other children felt Santa should just get sanitiser and a mask and get on with his job. "When I asked them 'Do you think Santa will wear a mask when he comes to drop the presents?' their reply was 'Yes, and he must wash his hands with soap and warm water,'" said a kindergarten teacher.
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