At this time of year, many children have penned lengthy lists to Father Christmas, asking him to bring them all sorts of toys and games.
But one little boy has asked for something much more important and his letter to Santa Claus is bound to break your heart.
The seven-year-old child, known only as Blake, wrote to Santa from the domestic violence shelter he is currently living at in Texas.
His mum found the note hidden in his backpack and the shelter, SafeHaven of Tarrant County, have since shared it on social media, where it has gone viral with thousands liking and reposting it.
In the touching letter, the boy reveals he's nervous about his current living situation and asks if he can have a "very very very good dad" for Christmas.
He wrote: "Dear Santa, we had to leave our house.
"Dad was mad. We had to do all the chores. Dad got everything he wanted.
"Mom said it was time to leave and she would take us to a safer place where we don't have to be scared.
"I'm still nervous. I don't want to talk to the other kids. Are you going to come this Christmas?"
He adds: "We don't have any of our stuff here. Can you bring some chapter books, a dictionary and a compass and a watch?
"I also want a very very very good dad. Can you do that too? Love, Blake."
SafeHaven later confirmed that Blake and his family were safe at the shelter, saying: "We so appreciate everyone's concern over the safety of Blake and his family.
"Victim safety has been our priority for over 40 years and we would never compromise that through a social media post or otherwise. Blake and his mom are safe!"
Hundreds commented on the post, sharing messages of support for the young boy.
One person said: "Dear Blake, thank you for being so amazing, brave and wonderful.
"I know it is hard but everything will be ok."
Another replied: "This is heartbreaking. We are all so blessed and should be so thankful we have all those thing we take for granted. Bless his heart, I hope he gets it all!"
A third added: "Just as I was having a really bad day at work and feeling sorry for myself I see this post. Puts things in perspective. I'm actually crying for this child but I am glad he is in a safe place for Christmas."
