Flashback: Take a look back into the archives of The Dallas Morning News.

At the turn of the 19th century, The Dallas Morning News began providing an invaluable holiday service. Children across the area could send their letters to the paper, where they would be held for Santa Claus, who would "call for his mail daily until Christmas Eve." Before handing them off, however, some of the letters were printed in the paper. We've chosen a few of these letters to post here.

1900: The Elgon brothers asked Santa for a whole arsenal of fireworks, along with a few rounds of ammunition.

1900: Portia Brindley wanted to make sure Santa knew she lived in Texas now.

1900: Bennie Green is better than he used to be.

1899: The Moore sisters turned to bribery to get their wishes granted.