by A girl in Tampa asks the cost of a Santa hat, what a sandbar is, and why Florida is famous for oranges
A Letter to Santa from Tampa, Florida
Dear Santa,
Hola Santa! My name is Riley and I am 7 years old. I live in Tampa, Florida, a warm city by the bay with palm trees and sunny skies. I love swimming and picking oranges from my neighbor’s tree. My question is: how much is a Santa Claus hat? I want to wear one! My geography question is: what is a sandbar? And my social studies question is: why is Florida famous for oranges? Gracias, Santa!
Love, Riley (age 7)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hola Riley! An orange-picking swimmer who wants a Santa hat is most welcome. Happily, a Santa hat is one of the most affordable bits of Christmas cheer there is. A simple felt one usually costs just a few dollars, while a fancier, extra-fuzzy one costs a little more. The price changes from store to store, so a grown-up can find one that fits the budget. But here is the best part: the moment you pop a Santa hat on your head, you feel instantly jolly, and that wonderful feeling is completely free.
Your geography question: what is a sandbar
A sandbar is a low ridge of sand built up by waves and currents, just beneath or barely above the water near a shore. Along your own Florida coast, sandbars are common, sometimes creating shallow spots perfect for wading. They are always shifting, as the moving water piles the sand into new shapes over time. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: Florida and oranges
Your own Florida is famous for oranges because its warm, sunny weather and gentle winters are perfect for growing citrus fruit. Huge groves of orange trees grow across the state, and much of the orange juice enjoyed around the country comes from there. From blossom to fruit to a glass of juice, it is a sweet and sunny journey. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Pick a juicy orange for me, Riley. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
