1982 Letter to Santa

I never really remember believing in Santa Claus. Thus when my mom, who’s big on throwing things out–the opposite of a pack rat, recently sent me a small stash of writings from my childhood, it was quite interesting to see this artifact from the 1980s.

Some kids tore pictures out of Sears or Penney’s catalogs to create their Christmas wish list. I used horse magazines.

The fact that the salutation was directed to Santa makes me think I was either trying to be funny or intent on allowing for a face-saving situation. After all, if “Santa” did not make good on my requests, then he would be the one who didn’t love me–not mom and dad.

Safety first! My top request was a hunt cap. Yes, that’s what they were called in the 80s. They were as thin as a 3-ring binder cover with a half inch-wide elasticized chin strap. And if you fell off, it was probably about as protective as if you were wearing a 3-ring binder with an elasticized chin strap on your noggin. I still have one model of “safety headwear”  dating from the mid 80s. If you’re ever in my Orange County neighborhood and drop by, I will let you try on the vintage helmet and take a picture modeling it.

The Vintage Hunt Cap

My second choice was riding breeches. I’m not sure if I wanted the old-school ones which flared out through the thigh area or if I had a perception at 12 that my thighs were on the larger size. (I can now ascertain, having seen photos of myself as a teenager, that I was quite lanky.)

I already had one pair of second-hand Harry Halls with the buckskin colored suede knee patches that I bought from my older sister’s friend. I think I paid $60 back then, which was a fortune. But apparently I needed a second pair.This was before breeches came in hot pink, cranberry, and other wild colors; the only options were the traditional beige-ish tan, rust, and if you rode dressage or were in the Olympics, white.

My third requested item, the rectangular thing, represented a Bible. A Ryrie Study Bible to be exact. I’m sure that my adolescent self thought it was a noble thing for a girl to ask for a study Bible for Christmas. Probably deep down I was trying to work the system with God. If I ask for a Bible and read it, then you can give me the pretty bay Arabian I cut out from the magazine.

Item number 4 was a hunt coat. I’m not sure why I needed one since I wasn’t really showing horses during that life phase. They did and still do look cool, however. Back then I was just starting to get into fashion (more on shopping at Gantos and Foxmoor later). Perhaps I thought I could take it from barn to middle school to evening wear. Having so many places to wear a blue wool coat made it a very practical item. And we Midwesterners are nothing, if not practical.

The bay Arabian horse and the no-name saddle were pipe dreams, but even then I was a firm believer in “it never hurts to ask.”

I don’t write letters to Santa or make a Christmas wish list anymore, but if I did, this one penned by my 12-year old self is not too far off from what I would request today. Exception for the Arabian. I’d like a similar bay version in an Off the Track Thoroughbred please. And I already have a great saddle. It just needs a horse.

What did you ask Santa for when you were 12, and do you remember receiving your requested gift?