As the adult world proceeds in a state of agitation like an off-kilter washing machine, it’s tempting to look for something that moves on a more gentle cycle. We turned to the Valley News’ annual Letters to Santa supplement to glean what’s on the mind of younger American citizens, in hopes of finding something kinder, gentler.

A good portion of children hereabouts are focusing on Dec. 25, where, for the price of cookies and carrots and a favorable annual performance review, they anticipate a bounty of gifts and toys. Some recognize that the “bad or good’’ rating is a potential deal breaker. “I have been in the middle for being good and bad, kind of in the middle but I have been trying really hard,” wrote Damon, a realistic self-evaluator. “I have been good most of the year,’’ wrote Marie, who offered no further details about a behavior slump. “I have been very good this year, so I think it is reasonable that I should be on the nice list,’’ wrote Sebastian, who briefly argued his case, mentioning feeding the dog and fish, and spending time with his family. A candid summation was offered by Carmine: “I have been somewhat good.” We appreciate the attempt to take the middle ground.

Some letter writers plowed right into their list, but many politely inquired about Santa first. “I hope the year hasn’t been too busy for you, the elves and the reindeer,’’ wrote a solicitous Addison, who at age 3½ may have had a ghostwriter. “I hope you have a great trip around the world,’’ gushed Lilly. “First off I wanted to say I hope you had a healthy and happy year,’’ wrote Mariley, whose etiquette would satisfy Miss Manners. Mariley added, “Please give the reindeer and Mrs. Claus a hug for me.”

The questions directed at Santa spoke well of childhood curiosity. “Do presents ever fall off the sleigh?” asked Odin. “Does Mrs. Claus ride the sleigh?’’ asked Samuel, who probed deeper into personal relationships with this line of questioning: “Why do the elves like you so much?” Elias wanted to know, “What does your wife, Mrs. Claus do all day?”

The gift list was stuffed with the hot toys of the day, but Jaxen asked for good-old fashioned maps “so I can go to the beach or somewhere I have never been.” We applaud his analog sensibilities. Wynonna asked for “100 whoopi cushions,’’ so watch out. “Tell the Elf on the shelf he has to use the toilet!’’ wrote Colbie, who also is in touch with his whimsical side.

Unlike the example of many prominent, very well-off adults, some children seem to know that the accumulation of material things isn’t the greatest reward in life. “I have a pretty big list of presents but I don’t really need them,’’ wrote Jessney, who said that a happy, healthy family would suffice. From the “Out of the Mouth of Babes’’ compendium of wisdom, it has the ring of truth in a world where that sound is muffled right now.