PARKERSBURG - You can tell its Christmas-time when children start polishing their halos and hoping Santa doesn't have time to check that list twice.

Nationwide thousands of letters from children addressed to Santa Claus at the North Pole make their way through the offices of the United States Postal Service, with dozens circulating through the local post office as well.

Among the letters passing through the Parkersburg Post Office were many assertions of goodness.

"Sometimes I'm a good boy at school, but I do try to be good," wrote Tommy.

"I have been good all year. I have helped my mommy and daddy and teachers. I have been really nice to my friends," wrote V.J.

"Dear Santa I was wondering if you think I have an anger problem," wrote Zoee. "Anyway im sorry if I upset you by my behavior."

A few writers threw in some words of praise.

"I love u Santa like the sky," wrote Olivia. "I want lots of presents."

"P.S. May I have a pic of you?" wrote Zoee.

Most of the requests from area children were for toys, stuffed animals and even a few real pets. Some asked for video games, action figures, even cell phones.

"Please bring me bike and doll house. I've been a good girl," wrote Brenna.

"Please SANTA will you give me a Bento, Nerf with bullets, and Crayola Color where you melt crayons," wrote Tommy.

A few requests were a little out of the ordinary, including a spin toothbrush, a hackey sack, an umbrella and "an indoor kitten named oreo."