by Braylen from Houston asks Santa about yard decorations, learns about the Gulf Coast, and hears the real history of the poinsettia plant
Dear Santa, my name is Braylen and I am nine years old. I live in Houston, Texas, where my dad says our neighborhood competes so hard over yard decorations that the whole street practically needs its own weather forecast for electricity.
Dear Braylen, I have seen that particular electrical forecast from the sleigh, and your street takes it very seriously indeed.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, can I put Christmas yard decorations up even though my neighbor already has an enormous inflatable snowman? My mom says ours should be tasteful instead.
Your mom’s instinct is a fine one, Braylen. Tasteful and heartfelt beats enormous and inflatable more often than people expect, though I will admit I have a soft spot for a good inflatable snowman too.
My second question is about our coastline. My teacher says Houston is close to the Gulf of Mexico even though it does not feel like a beach town. Is that true?
It is, Braylen. Houston sits not far from the Gulf Coast, connected by a major ship channel, which makes it one of the busiest port regions in the country. Flying in over that warm, humid coastline each December is quite a change from the icy stretches earlier in my route.
My third question is about a plant. My grandma always has bright red poinsettias on her porch every December. Where did that plant actually come from?
Great question, Braylen. The poinsettia is native to Mexico, and it became popular in the United States after Joel Poinsett, an American diplomat serving in Mexico in the 1820s, brought cuttings of the plant home and helped spread its popularity. It has been a beloved Christmas plant across America, including plenty of Texas porches, ever since.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Braylen Foster
Houston, Texas
P.S. Will you notice our yard from way up there?
Every year, Braylen. Tasteful decorations are easier to spot than you might think.
