Holiday Wishes and Furry Friends: The Top Choices on Little Hearts' Lists
The Christmas mailboxes in Himmelthür, Himmelpforten, and Nikolausdorf, Hesse, have been flooded with heartfelt messages from children across 65 countries. Jens Osterwald, the Christmas Post office coordinator in Himmelthür, shares that they have received an astounding 9,340 letters so far. Volunteers have been working tirelessly to craft heartfelt responses for days, reaching out to youngsters worldwide.
These selfless individuals spend their time crafting replies that don't just focus on materialistic wants. Osterwald reveals that kids have wishes for wellness, peace, and love. One touching letter, for example, asked that everyone around the globe have someone who loves them. Another surprising request was for Santa to enjoy pizza instead of the traditional milk and cookies on Christmas Eve.
The love for animals is evident in these holiday wishes, with many children asking for pets as gifts. Volunteers at the Pattensen mail center have been carefully addressing each letter, including requests for toys, colorful pets, and thoughtful wishes.
One heartfelt letter wished for "everyone in Lower Saxony and the world to have a loving pet to keep them company during the Christmas season." The Himmelthür post office has been promoting responsible pet ownership on their social media, emphasizing the joy pets bring to our lives during the holiday season.
The Christmas post office in Pattensen encourages children to add toys and gifts for their pets on their wish lists. Acknowledging pets' significant role in children's happiness and well-being during the festive season, they ensure no one, even their furry friends, miss out on the holiday joy.
Sources: Stern
A Globe-Trotting Trend
The affection for animals among children is a growing trend worldwide. Families are increasingly including pets in their celebrations and gifting traditions, even during holidays like Christmas. The cultural shift toward considering pets as family members can be observed in various settings, such as the family homestead near Berlin, where pets are integral members of the "paw family."
The growing pet industry and increased pet ownership in rural areas drive the demand for innovative pet products, including gifts that offer comfort and enjoyment. Emotional bonds between pets and their owners, as well as holistic health trends in pet care, contribute to this trend.
While data on Germany is not directly available, the changing societal attitudes and industry trends suggest that pets as gifts on children's Christmas wish lists might be a common practice in Germany as well.
Pet wishes abound in kids' holiday messages, reflecting the growing affection for these furry friends. From toys to loving companions, pets are clear favorites on children's wish lists. As responsible pet owners and caring individuals, we can contribute to promoting a loving Christmas for all, including our beloved pets.
