by Caleb, age 8, asks Santa Claus do you have a different name in every country?, about Lake Michigan, and Chicago’s architectural history
Dear Santa Claus,
My name is Caleb and I am 8 years old. I live in Chicago, Illinois, where the wind off the lake is so cold in December that my mom calls it the Hawk, and we always stop for deep dish pizza after seeing the big tree downtown.
First, do you have a different name in every country?
Second, a geography question: what lake is Chicago built along?
Third, a school question about my country: why is Chicago known as one of America’s great architectural cities?
I left you sugar cookies and milk.
Love, Caleb, age 8, Chicago, Illinois, USA, Chicago, Illinois, USA
From the Desk of Santa Claus
Dear Caleb, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you have a different name in every country?
I very much do, and I rather enjoy it, dozens of different names, each one a slightly different coat for the very same idea.
What lake is Chicago built along?
Chicago sits right along Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes, and its skyline lit up along the frozen shoreline on a clear December night is one of the most striking American views on my whole route.
Why is Chicago known as one of America’s great architectural cities?
After a great fire destroyed much of the city in 1871, Chicago rebuilt with bold new building techniques, including some of the world’s first skyscrapers, and it became a testing ground for architects for generations afterward. Today the city is famous worldwide for its skyline and its role in shaping modern architecture.
Merry Christmas, Caleb.
Ho ho ho, Santa Claus
