Sitting our children down with a pen, a piece of paper and head full of Christmas wishes is just one many festive traditions we enjoy as parents, but it's also one we tend to watch from afar.
One mum, who recently decided to involve herself in the process and lay bare her wishes to the man in red, has penned a letter which is likely to strike a chord with millions of parents around the world.
In a blog which has been published in The Huffington Post, Amy Ransom addressed issues faced by millions of parents on a daily basis and requested a little help, perspective and self-belief when dealing with them.
While acknowledging that her desire for material objects took a backseat once becoming a mum, Amy explained that she's still in need of certain gifts.
"Firstly, I would like the good grace to remember, every day, that motherhood is a gift. Even on those days when it feels like such an effort. Because these small people in my charge are only on loan," she began.
"And I know that, one day, my little boy will cease to bury his head in my neck. My six year old will save her precious confessions for someone else. And my three year old will be making others howl with laughter, whilst finally wearing something other than a tutu."
Like many parents, Amy feels she would benefit from more patience and understanding when dealing with family life, writing: "So I would also like more patience and tolerance. To appreciate the above. To help me let the little things go. And enable me to deal with the big stuff calmly. Particularly around 5.00 PM when everyone is frazzled."
Continuing her wish list, the mum-of-three asks Father Christmas to give her the gift of perspective in order to properly appreciate the gifts she has already received.
"Please keep showing me the plight of others. Even when it's desperately sad. It allows me to keep a sense of perspective, which is so important in living a mindful life, particularly when you're a mum often drowning in the more trivial aspects of family life," she wrote.
"It's never a bad thing to be reminded of what you have. To look for the abundance in your life. Rather than the lack. My children deserve to know how to do this too. If they don't learn it from me, who will they learn it from?"
While requesting a safe and hopeful future for her children as well as the strength to believe in her skills as a parent, Amy insists that her Christmas list isn't as altruistic as it may seem, telling Father Christmas she will benefit just as much as her children.
"And don't be fooled into thinking that I've only asked for gifts for my children. That I'm that typical, selfless mother who puts everyone else first. These are also gifts for me. Because without good grace, patience, tolerance, perspective and love, I will only ever be half the mother I could actually be."
We're certain Amy's heartwarming message to Lapland's most important resident will resonate with all of you this morning
