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It’s as much a Christmas tradition as mince pies, carols and crackers.

Children have been writing letters to Father Christmas since the 19th century with their wishes and hopes, but also questions for the big man himself.

But how have they changed over the decades?

Dr Ceri Houlbrook, senior lecturer in history and folklore at the University of Hertfordshire, has been sifting through the mail bag to discover a magical world of childhood imagination.

(Photo: Emma Gibbs/ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½)