Dear Santa: I Want Happy Terrorists, Dad to Come Home

(Newser) – A 28-year veteran of the Santa Claus role has finally revealed in a blog what we already knew: Kids can be hilarious and heartbreaking. But he's got some perfect tales to illustrate it. Beyond the expected requests for the latest Barbie and video game, kids have whispered into Santa Carl Anderson's ear their desire for world peace and their pain at their parents' breakups, notes ABC News. "Kids see Santa as someone they can confide in," observes Anderson, 57. One little girl simply wanted a chair so she could write in a "little diarrhea" at her desk. "Of course she meant diary, but the misspeaks are pretty funny," said Anderson.

Kids' musings are often more serious, and reflect what's going on in the news—or at home. A boy pleaded for lots of toys for terrorists so they "wouldn't hate us so much," says Anderson. Another "little one wanted money to help mom pay the bills because she worries so much." It's not easy being Santa. It's hard on the body and on the heart. "I feel for them a lot," says Anderson. "It's hard when kids ask me to get their mommy and daddy to love each other again or when they want someone who is sick to recover. I tell them I can't promise anything but I will make it my wish for them—and I do," he adds. "Santa is a symbol of hope. They know he'll always be there and care about them and want the best for them."