Having been given a stark reminder of this recently, one mum in the States shared her story with the public and struck a chord with families all over the country.
A single mother with financial difficulties, Karen Suffern advised her 8-year-old twins to compose their Santa letters sooner rather than later in the hopes she could save enough money to treat them to their desired toys.
Upon completing the exercise, Kyle and Amber presented their mother with their Yuletide letters and reminded Karen that sometimes your child's deepest wishes can't be achieved by tightening your purse strings.
In a heartfelt letter to Santa Claus, Karen's son wrote: "My mom said to send you our Christmas list. I wanted a remote control car and helicopter, but I don't want that anymore."
Explaining the reasoning behind his change of heart, Kyle continued: "Kids at school are still picking on Amber, and it's not fair because she doesn't do anything to them and it makes me mad."
The little boy explained that he had attempted to remedy the problem through prayer, but still needs a little help, writing: "I prayed that they will stop but God is busy and needs your help. Is it against the rules to give gifts early?"
In addition to requesting that his twin sister be offered some respite from playground bullies, Kyle asked if Santa Claus could help his sister meet her favourite band, Big Time Rush, because "it will make her so happy."
Speaking to ABC News, Karen, who herself was a victim of bullying, admitted that her son's words moved her to tears, saying: "Needless to say, I started crying."
Opening up to her mum about the bullying she has experienced, Amber is said to have admitted: "Sometimes I just wish I would die so that people would leave me alone."
We have every finger crossed that Santa receives Kyle's heartfelt letter sooner rather than later.
