The holiday season often brings joy, laughter, and sometimes unexpected requests from children. A recent thread on Reddit, initiated by user u/Fluffy_Fluffle, asked former mall Santas to share the most amusing or bizarre gifts children have requested during their time in the festive role. The responses reveal a mix of innocence, humor, and sheer unpredictability that characterizes the imagination of children.
Heartwarming and Hilarious Requests
One standout story comes from u/Guardian-Boy, who recounted an experience as Santa at a neighborhood event. Initially not intended to include a “tell Santa what you want” segment, the event took a memorable turn when a young cousin, then just three years old, expressed a heartfelt wish. She wanted her real uncle, whose name matched the Santa’s, to be present. In a creative attempt to make her happy, the Santa temporarily left the room, removed his costume, and snuck back in through the fireplace, pretending to arrive via chimney. The joy on the child’s face was priceless, a moment that has remained vivid for both Santa and the now-grown child.
Another anecdote shared by u/JPlikesstuff highlights the delicate nature of childhood wishes. A teenager approached Santa with a quiet request: she wished for her acne to disappear. The response was a simple reassurance that it would eventually resolve itself. This interaction underscores the sometimes serious nature of requests that may come from children, reflecting their concerns and insecurities.
Outrageous and Unexpected Gifts
The thread also brought forth a series of unconventional and humorous requests. u/LPGeoteacher recalled a small girl who, rather than asking for typical toys, expressed her desire for “some makeup and some tits.” Such candidness from children often leaves parents and Santas alike in fits of laughter, revealing the uninhibited nature of youthful imagination.
In a more whimsical turn, u/Jaci_D shared the charming confusion of his child, who has consistently asked for imaginative gifts. One year, he wished for a “meatball toy,” while another year he wanted a “snowflake turtle.” The Santa took this in stride, creatively interpreting the request with a snow globe containing a turtle.
Some requests ventured into the realm of the darkly humorous, such as when a child asked for “a receipt to return my brother,” as shared by u/Opening-Taro3385. The Santa’s challenge was to maintain composure while the child’s parents struggled to contain their laughter.
The thread also touched on more serious themes, as u/I-wish-i-was-trans recounted a child who wished for their parents to divorce and to have a new family due to ongoing family conflicts. Such requests highlight the complexity of children’s experiences and their attempts to navigate difficult emotions.
While the requests varied widely, one child’s wish for a forklift left u/12345_PIZZA chuckling. When the father explained that a forklift would take up too much space, the clever child responded, “Dad, he can use the forklift to carry them,” showcasing the delightful reasoning of children.
Finally, one of the most startling requests came from u/perry_the_platypus12, who mentioned a child asking for “a human skull.” This stark request underscores the unpredictability of what children might consider a suitable gift.
The shared stories from these former mall Santas not only entertain but also reflect the unique and often humorous perspectives of young children during the holiday season. As families prepare for Christmas, these anecdotes serve as a reminder of the joy and laughter that accompany the festivities.
