by Tanner, age 8 from Calgary, Alberta, asks Santa how to draw his sleigh, the Canadian Rockies, and the Calgary Stampede.
Dear Santa, my name is Tanner, and I am eight years old. I live in Calgary, Alberta, where my dad says the Rocky Mountains rise up right at the edge of our whole city.
Dear Tanner, mountains that close make for one of the most breathtaking approaches on my entire route, your dad picked a truly majestic hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Can I draw a Santa sleigh? My teacher wants us to design our own version for an art project.
Start with a long curved base and two graceful runners underneath, Tanner, then add a cozy seat and a big sack of presents in the back. The best sleighs always have a bit of your own imagination built right in.
My dad says the Rocky Mountains rise up right at the edge of Calgary. Is that true?
It is true, Tanner, the Canadian Rockies rise dramatically not far from your city, one of the most stunning mountain ranges on my entire route. I always enjoy that snowy, rugged view flying in.
My dad says Calgary hosts a huge rodeo and festival every year that people call the Stampede. Is that true?
It is true, Tanner, the Calgary Stampede is one of the largest rodeo festivals in the world, celebrating the region’s ranching heritage. That kind of proud, shared tradition, a whole city coming together, is really something worth admiring.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Tanner Whitford
Calgary, Alberta
P.S. Can my sleigh drawing have mountains in the background?
Absolutely, Tanner, every good sleigh deserves a proper backdrop.
