by Kayden, age 8 from Gary, Indiana, asks Santa about the Jackson 5’s Christmas album, Lake Michigan, and Gary’s steel industry history.
Dear Santa, my name is Kayden, and I am eight years old. I live in Gary, Indiana, where my grandma says a very famous group of musical brothers grew up right here in our own city.
Dear Kayden, a city that gave the world that much musical talent deserves a very appreciative flyover, your grandma picked a truly soulful hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Did the Jackson 5 sing ‘Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’? My grandma says they recorded a Christmas album a long time ago.
They did, Kayden, that group recorded a beloved Christmas album many years ago, and your grandma has excellent musical taste. Gary can be proud of the talent it has sent out into the world.
My grandma says Gary sits right along Lake Michigan. Is that true?
It is true, Kayden, Lake Michigan stretches along your city’s edge, one of the largest of the Great Lakes. I always enjoy that vast, shimmering water on my way to your rooftop.
My grandma says Gary used to be one of the biggest steel producing cities in the whole country. Is that true?
It is true, Kayden, Gary grew into a major center for steel production, hardworking families shaping much of the city’s history. That kind of steady, hardworking spirit still shapes your community’s story today.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Kayden Marsh
Gary, Indiana
P.S. Will you play their Christmas album at the workshop this year?
Already on the playlist, Kayden, good music deserves repeat listens.
