"Dear Santa, Are you real? If you live at the North Pole, how come I can't find your house on Google Earth? Love, Max."

"Dear Santa, How are you, Mrs. Claus, the elves, and the reindeer doing? I would like a Buster Posey jersey for my dog, size XL. Love, Noah."

"Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a computer, find my lost tablet, and make Daddy stop drinking beer." (Unsigned)

Once upon a time, letters like these ended up in the U.S. Postal Service's dead letter office. But for the past 29 years they have gone instead to the consumer affairs department at the main Oakland post office on Seventh Street, where you are invited to read and, if you like, answer them.

"You don't have to send a gift," says MaryGrace Cruz, a USPS consumer and industry contact manager. "The children appreciate just knowing that somebody cares."

But, of course, if you're moved to send a present, too, nobody's going to stop you. To get in on the fun, call the Santa's Mailbag hotline at 510-874-8737, leave a message and one of Santa's elves -- Toni Harmon, Nina Tan, Susan Romance, Janet Ezell, Jodi Black, Regina Paje or David Tachibana -- will call you back. In the meantime, here's what our kids are asking for this holiday season:


"Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! Thank you for watching us all these years. I really want a new Dell computer with a cool touch screen and (that) turns into an iPad because I really want it, and it looks awesome. But if you can't make that happen (but I really want the computer, I want to have the most amazing Christmas ever. I hope to have the most merriest & wonderful Christmas with my family. My family is very important to me; they are my favorite people in the world. I love them. I also hope I am on the nice list. You are the best person ever. Love, Ella."

"Dear Mr. Claus, Please help me find the perfect puppy for my family. Whenever my brother says 'papidog please,' I start to cry. I know you're busy, but one wish I have is for my family can find the perfect pet. I live in two places. My mom and dad are divorsed (sic). Please help. Love, Paola."

"Dear Santa, Hi! It's Mia. I am 9 now! But how old are you? I never knew. Wait -- do you remember you're reindeer's name. I forgot. Love, Mia."

"Dear Santa, It's me, Kenya. Never mind the other letter I sent you. I want something different, a Russian hamster. Aren't they cute? It would be great if you could get me the other accessories that it needs, like food and the cage. Thank you so, so, so much! Love, Kenya."

"Dear Santa, I want a whole new cool life, super powers and 100 wishes. From Alyssa."

"Dear Santa, My name is Jose and I have a brother named James, 9 month, and a sister named Allison, 7. We live with Mom, and we don't have a father. My mom is not working at this time, and she doesn't have enough money to have a merry Christmas. With all my heart I appreciate your reading this letter of mine to help us have a very Merry Christmas. Thank you very much and God bless you. Love, Jose, James and Allison."

"Dear Santa, I've been pretty good this year. I'm enclosing a list of what I want for Christmas. Oh, you know why I'm sending it early? It's because I want a lot of toys, and your elves are going to have to work hard. So that's why. Write yes or no if you understand. Check one box: "Yes, I understand," or "No, I don't understand." I need this before Christmas. Love, Valentina."

"Dear Santa, Lots of people at my school don't believe in you because they never get any presents from you. I was going to ask you what your favorite color was and I thought it might be green. That's why I made a green frame around this letter. Anyway, if you are allowed to, please tell me your favorite color. Love, Rachael."

"Dear Santa, My name is Keysha. I am 9 years old. I have been a good girl. I want a pair of boots and a baby doll. My brother is Marcus, and he is 8 years old. He would like a chuchu train and a truck and a car. Love, Keysha and Marcus."

"Dear Santa, My Nana died. I miss her. I have tried to be a helpful and considerate girl. Love, Charli."

"Dear Santa, I miss you too much. I'm in the (redacted) grade, but you might already know that. Please respond to my note! I want to know how you're doing. Love, the one and only Mia."

"Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like to spend some time with my kids. Please send my husband a job so I can do this. Love, Jessica."

"Dear Santa, I should get a present because I listen to my friends' ideas, I help my family, and I play with my brother even if I don't like the game he is playing. Thank you! Yours truly, Aneesh."

"Dear Santa, My name is Amelie and I am four years old. I have a little brother named Grayson. Your scout elf Snowflake has been visiting my house. She sits on a shelf on the wall and visits our Christmas tree. She is now my friend and I say good morning every morning when I see her. I have tried to be very good this year so she will tell you good things. Marry Christmas! Your friend, Amelie."

"Dear Santa, My name is Grayson. I stay home with mommy and I love my family, especially my sister Amelie. Love, Grayson"

"Dear Santa, I am so sorry to interrupt your cookies and milk break. I am writing for my sister because she is 5 and doesn't know quit yet how to. Neither do I because I spelled 'quit' wrong. You kno what I mean though. My sister is very shy and she was wondering if she could get an American Girl from you. We can't afford one by ourselves, so can you and Rudolf helper get a 'Grace.?' Sincerely, Gloria. P.S. Sorry about the sloppy handwriting."

"Dear Santa, In case you are looking for ideas for gifts for me, here are some ideas. But really, anything you like is fine: 1) My son to do his homework every week so we have more time for family fun. 2) My daughter to remember to eat a snack after school so she doesn't get cranky or bite my head off when I get home from work. 3) My husband to make his super yummy special dinner that I love, even if my dumb kids complain. 4) Izzy -- no dead things in the house. Merry Christmas, Yvonne."

"Dear Santa, Can I have my train early? Because it will take a long time to build it. Love, Jenna."

"Dear Santa, I have been really good this year by listening to my parents and getting to school on time most of the time. I was also kind to my friends and I was really excited when I was Panther star at school the week before my sister was. Thank you, Ada."

"Dear Santa, I love my family and I love you. Please come and eat cookies and milk and let your raindear eat many carrots. From, Tiffany."

"Dear Santa, Please, please, please! Send my Elf On The Shelf really soon! By the way, her name is Shelly. He had brown hair and blue eyes. Please, will you write back to me? You are my most favorite person ever. Love, Zoe."

"Dear Santa, My mom doesn't have any money to buy me anything for Christmas. She is very stressed out. Santa, you are very nice and you're always doing something, so please can you bring me something? Please reply to me as soon as you can. Hugs and kisses, Denise."

"Dear Santa, My name is Juan. I'm nine years old. I am a child with special needs. I have autism. I am in the 4th grade. I wish I could have some clothes for the winter. I am a size 12 in pants (large), size lg in shirts and jacket, and size 2 in shoes. Thanks for your support. I wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2016. Love, Juan"

"Dear Santa, This Christmas all I wish for is that all the needy have food, warmth, and something to share. Love, Anghlie."