Australian parents are encountering a new digital phenomenon in the lead-up to Christmas: video wish lists compiled by their children. Instead of handwritten letters to Santa, tech-savvy youngsters are creating slide shows and edited videos detailing their desired gifts.
The Modern Christmas Request
The trend, which appears to have gained momentum in 2025, sees children using online platforms to curate visual presentations of what they hope to find under the tree. For many from older generations, the initial reaction is one of distaste, viewing it as a nakedly commercial habit that encourages a 'want, want, want' mentality from a young age. The traditional view holds that presents should be surprises, gifts given freely and not as an obligation prompted by a direct request.
However, some parents are finding a practical use for these videos. One parent admitted, albeit reluctantly, that the clear visual list helps with holiday shopping. This raises the question: is a polished video so different from the classic letter to Santa? Australia Post actively encourages the tradition of letter-writing, even offering tips on how to start and promising a reply from the North Pole if the letter is dropped at a post office. This practice is widely seen as beneficial, teaching children about polite communication, making requests, and how postal services work.
Tradition Versus Technology
There is an undeniable skills benefit to the video method. Learning to use editing platforms like Canva is a valuable digital literacy skill, and parents can use the same tools to craft creative replies. It highlights a common modern reversal where the 13-year-old may be more technologically clued-up than their parent. Yet, the charm of Christmas for many lies in its resistance to modernity—its traditions, simplicity, and focus on giving pleasure rather than fulfilling a materialistic checklist.
The piece, written by reporter Steve Evans and published on December 18, 2025, speculates that the video wish list trend, along with other festive additions like red bows on trees and extravagant outdoor light displays, likely originated in America. The author nostalgically recalls simpler, less commercial Christmases, while also humorously insisting that cold weather is a proper part of the festive season, not the Australian summer heat.
A Broader News Context
The article was part of a wider newsletter that also covered other significant Australian news. This included the announcement of a $233 million funding commitment for CSIRO science research from Treasurer Jim Chalmers, following job cut concerns. It also reported on a court case involving four youths accused of a sexual assault in south-west Sydney on December 15, 2024, and noted the first funerals for victims of the Bondi terror attack, identifying the deceased shooter as being from Hyderabad, India.
The debate on festive commercialism continues, echoing in reader responses to previous columns. One pointed out the confusion caused by conflating Jewish identity with the actions of the Israeli government, while another argued that Western governments have been too quiet on the conflict in Gaza compared to others like Ukraine. The overarching message is a call for reflection during the holiday season—on traditions, consumption, and the spirit of giving.
