When it comes to Christmas, it might be safe to assume children will ask Santa for an extensive list of toys, games and treats. 

 

But a survey of their typical lists for Father Christmas has shown many have more serious concerns, requesting "a dad" instead. 

 

A study of 2,000 British parents found most children will put a new baby brother or sister at the top of their Christmas list, closely followed by a request for a real-life reindeer²（驯鹿）. 

 

A "pet horse" was the third most popular choice, with a "car" making a bizarre entry at number four. 

 

Despite their material requests, the tenth most popular Christmas wish on the list was a "Dad". 

 

The survey, of consumers at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City, found children aged³ three to 12 years also wanted a dog, chocolate and a stick of rock. 

 

Traditional hopes for a white Christmas were represented by a wish for "snow" in ninth place, with sensible youngsters also requesting a "house". 

 

Of the top 50 festive⁴ requests, 17 related to pets and animals, with some imaginative children hoping for a donkey, chicken and elephant. 

 

iPhones and iPads also appeared on the list, with some quirky children asking for the moon, a time machine, a pond cover and beetroot. One child asked for Eva Longoria and another wanted Harry⁵ Styles from One Direction. 

 

A request for a "mum" reached number 23 on the list.

点击收听单词发音