I write this letter in the run up to Christmas knowing that it is a very busy time of year for you. Making toys, checking your naughty and nice list. Then you have all of the letters to read from children all over the world with their requests for toys and games that they would like you to deliver for the big day.

I apologize for the timing of my letter and I thank you for taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule to read it.

My four children all wrote letters to you last night and posted them into the fire and up the chimney as is tradition and prayed that you managed to get them before Christmas eve when you start your journey around the world.

The problem I have with this is that the letters caught fire and I had to call out the fire service who were great and although they did a fantastic job I had to spend all of today cleaning soot from all around the house, it gets everywhere you know, but I think that I have managed to get it all. At least the chimney is all nice and clean now which should make it easier for you to come down on Christmas.

Anyway the chimney fire is not the real reason that I write to you, The reason I write is about the letters that my children sent to you last night.

I don't actually know if you have read my children's letters yet but here is a brief summary of what they asked you for.

My oldest son Robert, who is 15 years old, asked for a PlayStation 3 and some games for it he then included a long list of other things that he would like this year such as a gaming chair, a cell phone and a whole list of Brand name clothes and shoes.

My daughter Jennifer, who is 14 years old, asked for a new Laptop computer, an iPhone, some perfume and make up and about 30 pairs of shoes.

My son Timmy, who is 11 years old, asked you for an X-Box 360 with Call of Duty IV and an iPhone 5 for it, a lot of toys, again his list was as long as my arm, and it included enough candy and chocolates to sink a cargo ship.

Jason my youngest son who is 2, doesn't really know what is going on just yet, sent you a letter full of colorful squiggles and dots, which he really enjoyed doing by the way, especially when he got to throw it into the fire. He laughed as the pretty dancing flames started to eat it up and sent it blazing up into the chimney starting the earlier mentioned fire.

For some strange reason every year my children make it on to your nice list, I know you do check it twice but I am sure that you are missing something somewhere along the line. Mr Claus you should watch my children when they are at home or out somewhere with us, I am sure that if you did, you would realise that you have them on the wrong list. Jekyll and Hyde have nothing on my children, out with others they are sweet and innocent, at home they transform into untidy, cheeky, lazy, ill mannered and almost uncontrollable monsters.

If you insist on delivering my children's wishes again this year even after you have read my letter I would also like to add one more gift to the list for my darling wife and myself.

It may be a little bit too much to ask for but since we are still paying you back for last Christmas my wife and I would really appreciate it when you leave our children's gifts under the tree and stockings hanging on the fire this year, that you forget about the bill and pay for them yourself.

Thank you for reading

Yours sincerely

A dad of four.