by Bridger, age 8 from Salt Lake City, Utah, asks Santa about his beard, the Great Salt Lake, and the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Dear Santa, my name is Bridger, and I am eight years old. I live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where my dad says a nearby lake is so salty that you can float right on top of it without even trying.
Dear Bridger, a lake that salty makes for one of the more curious landmarks on my entire route, your dad picked a truly buoyant hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Does Santa have a beard? My little sister thinks maybe you just glue one on every year.
It is entirely real, Bridger, grown over many, many years of cold winters and long nights. Tell your little sister no glue required, just plenty of patience.
My dad says the Great Salt Lake is one of the biggest lakes west of the Mississippi River. Is that true?
It is true, Bridger, the Great Salt Lake ranks among the largest lakes west of the Mississippi, its water far saltier than the ocean. I always enjoy that shimmering, unusual view flying over on my way to your rooftop.
My dad says Utah hosted the Winter Olympics a while back, right here in Salt Lake City. Is that true?
It is true, Bridger, Salt Lake City proudly hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002, welcoming athletes and visitors from all over the world. That kind of global gathering, everyone coming together over shared sport and spirit, is really a wonderful thing to witness.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Bridger Holt
Salt Lake City, Utah
P.S. Have you ever tried floating on the Great Salt Lake yourself?
Only briefly, Bridger, my sleigh prefers the sky to the water.
