NUUK, Greenland -- Santa Claus has received some 60,000 letters and E-mails with Christmas requests from children around the world at his Greenland address, his diminutive staff reported Saturday.

But many forgot to add a reply address, putting Father Christmas in something of a spot if he is to respond to all the correspondence, his little helpers said.

At the post office in Greenland's capital Nuuk they have been inundated by mail full of candies, drawings, souvenirs and even hay for Santa's reindeer.

And of course long lists of things they want in their stocking, accompanied by solemn vows that they will be good boys and girls all next year.

Santa's team have had to play detective, deciphering 30,000 illegible addresses in several languages. Japanese caused particular headaches.

Everybody who sent a reply address duly receives seasonal greetings from Santa.

Apart from 60,000 letters Santa's Internet site (www.santa.gl) has had a record 200,000 hits from eager children this December.