by A skier in Burlington asks when the Toronto Santa parade is, what Lake Champlain is, and how maple syrup is made
A Letter to Santa from Burlington, Vermont
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa! My name is Wyatt and I am 9 years old. I live in Burlington, Vermont, a cozy New England town by a big lake, not far from the Canadian border. I love skiing and helping tap our maple trees. My question is: when is the Santa Claus parade in Toronto? My geography question is: what is Lake Champlain? And my social studies question is: how is maple syrup made? Thanks, Santa!
Love, Wyatt (age 9)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hello Wyatt! A maple-tapping skier in Vermont is exactly the sort of helper I admire. The famous Toronto Santa Claus Parade takes place each November, up in the city of Toronto, Canada, just across the border from your Vermont. It is one of the oldest Santa parades in the whole world, having marched for well over a hundred years, filled with bright floats, marching bands, and plenty of cheer to kick off the holiday season. If you ever get to see it, wave to my parade helpers for me!
Your geography question: Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is a long, beautiful lake that lies between your own Vermont and New York, stretching up toward Canada. It is dotted with islands and surrounded by mountains, and it has been an important route for travel and trade for hundreds of years. In winter, parts of it can freeze solid enough to walk on. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: how maple syrup is made
Maple syrup comes from the sap of maple trees, and your own Vermont is famous for it. In late winter, people tap small holes in the trees and collect the clear, watery sap that drips out. Then they boil it for a long time until it thickens into sweet, golden syrup. It takes a great deal of sap to make even a little syrup, which makes it extra special. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Tap a sweet maple tree for me, Wyatt. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
