‘It’s really hard because of COVID-19’: Letters to Santa reveal toll pandemic is taking on kids

“You don’t lie to Santa, so it’s almost like writing in your diary,” said Dr. Natalie Weder, with the Child Mind Institute. “Sometimes we as parents we want to fix things, want our kids to feel OK, can’t tolerate their pain. It is very important we listen to them and take their concerns seriously. If we don’t, they feel like we don’t understand them and keep things inside, and they can feel more isolated.”