Christmas Wishes: Photos of Kids on the Phone With Santa, 1947

By Ben Cosgrove / Time.com and Time.com
December 19, 2016
Credit: Martha Holmes—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
This story originally appeared on Time.com. 

This little girl is talking to Santa Claus, and so may any other girl or boy who telephones Murray Hill 8-2205 in New York between now and Christmas.

Thus reads a photo caption in a 1947 LIFE magazine story about some holiday subterfuge devised by the famed New York toy store, FAO Schwarz. The clever gambit involved an FAO-produced phone system on which children could dial that number (MU8-2205) and speak directly to Santa himself, laying out their wishes for the holiday: world peace, universal human fellowship, a train set, a bunny. You know, the usual.

Here, LIFE.com presents photos from that article — as well as some other “Awww”-inspiring pictures that never ran in the magazine.
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Calling Santa, 1947

Credit: Martha Holmes—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
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Calling Santa, 1947.

Credit: Martha Holmes—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

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Patricia Guinan promises to leave out milk and crackers for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, 1947.

Credit: Martha Holmes—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
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Bann Kernan, who is 7 years old, squirms with delight as she asks Santa for a wrist watch." Moments later she gave the phone to her younger brother, Bennie, 5, who requested a train.

Credit: Martha Holmes—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

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Jo Ann Ward "began with aplomb by saying, 'Hello, Santa Claus. How you feel?'" The three-year-old wanted a doll and a boat.

Credit: Martha Holmes—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

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After "making sure he could not hear and be disillusioned, " Bann Kernan "whispered confidingly to the LIFE researcher" that there is "no Santa Claus, " while brother Bennie remained blissfully unaware.

Credit: Martha Holmes—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
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Elaine Jung is 6, wants a doll's house and carriage, also asked Santa to be sure not to forget her baby sister.

Credit: Martha Holmes—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

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Jimmy O'Brien, 4, asked for a bike and a sailboat. "When Santa asked where he lived, " LIFE reported, "he said, 'You know where.'"

Credit: Martha Holmes—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
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By Ben Cosgrove / Time.com and Time.com