by A young artist in Princeton asks how to draw Santa, what the Pine Barrens are, and who Thomas Edison was
A Letter to Santa from Princeton, New Jersey
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa! My name is Scarlett and I am 7 years old. I live in Princeton, New Jersey, a leafy town with old brick buildings and a famous university. I love drawing and painting more than anything. My question is: how do you draw Santa Claus? Will you teach me? My geography question is: what are the Pine Barrens? And my social studies question is: who was Thomas Edison? Thanks, Santa!
Love, Scarlett (age 7)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hello Scarlett! I would be honored to be your drawing model. Here is how to draw me, step by step. Start with a big circle for my jolly face. Add two little pink circles for my rosy cheeks and a round one for my nose. Draw a long, fluffy cloud shape under my face for my beard, and put a curving triangle hat on top with a puffy ball at the tip. Add two twinkling eyes and a wide, happy smile. Then color my hat and suit bright red, and there I am! Practice a few times, and soon you will draw me perfectly.
Your geography question: the Pine Barrens
The Pine Barrens are a huge, wild forest of pine trees in your own New Jersey, covering a large stretch of the state. The sandy soil there is not good for many crops, which is how the area got its name, but it is rich in wildlife, rivers, and quiet beauty. It is a surprising wilderness in a busy state. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison was one of the greatest inventors in American history, and he did much of his work in your own New Jersey. He invented or improved many things we still use today, including the light bulb and ways to record sound. He was famous for never giving up, trying again and again until his ideas finally worked. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Draw me a great picture, Scarlett. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
