by A duck-feeding girl in Hanoi asks Mrs. Claus’s name, what a river delta is, and what the Lunar New Year is
A Letter to Santa from Hanoi, Vietnam
Dear Santa,
Xin chao Santa! My name is Mai and I am 7 years old. I live in Hanoi, in Vietnam, where the streets buzz with scooters and the food smells amazing. I love feeding ducks and painting with watercolors. My question is: what is Santa Claus’s wife’s name? My geography question is: what is a river delta? And my social studies question is: what is the Lunar New Year? Cam on, Santa!
Love, Mai (age 7)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, xin chao Mai! A girl who feeds ducks and paints with watercolors has a gentle and happy heart. You asked about my wife, and I am delighted to tell you. Her name is Mrs. Claus, and she is the true heart of the North Pole. She bakes mountains of cookies, keeps the elves cheerful and organized, and makes sure I never forget my scarf on a cold night. Between you and me, she is the real boss of the workshop, and everything runs smoothly because of her.
Your geography question: what is a river delta
A river delta is the place where a river spreads out into many smaller streams as it reaches the sea, dropping rich soil that makes the land wonderful for farming. Your own Vietnam has the famous Red River Delta near Hanoi and the great Mekong Delta in the south, both bursting with rice fields. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: the Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year is a joyful celebration that follows the cycles of the moon rather than the usual calendar. In your own Vietnam it is called Tet, and it is the biggest festival of the year, when families gather, share special foods, and welcome good luck. It is a beautiful time of fresh starts and togetherness. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Paint me a picture of those ducks, Mai. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
