by A coin collector in Boulder asks if Santa dollars are worth anything, what elevation is, and what a university town is
A Letter to Santa from Boulder, Colorado
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa! My name is Quinn and I am 8 years old. I live in Boulder, Colorado, a college town nestled high against dramatic tilted rocks. I love rock climbing and collecting cool coins. My question is: are Santa Claus dollars worth anything? My geography question is: what is elevation, and why is Boulder so high up? And my social studies question is: what is a university town? Thanks, Santa!
Love, Quinn (age 8)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hello Quinn! A coin collector asks a clever money question. Santa Claus dollars are a fun kind of novelty money, like play money or collectible notes printed with my cheerful face. They are not real money you can spend at the store, because only official government money works for buying things. But some collectors enjoy them as keepsakes, and a few special or old ones can be fun to own and trade among hobbyists. So a Santa dollar is worth a smile and a bit of collecting fun, but it will not buy you a candy cane.
Your geography question: elevation
Elevation means how high a place is above the level of the sea. Your own Boulder sits high up, about a mile above sea level, tucked against the Rocky Mountains. At higher elevations, the air is thinner and cooler, which is why mountain towns can feel crisp and why the sky often looks an especially deep blue. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: a university town
A university town is a place whose life centers around a college or university. Your own Boulder is a fine example. The students, teachers, and researchers fill the town with energy, new ideas, bookstores, and cafes. A big university can shape a whole community, bringing learning, science, and a youthful spirit to the streets. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Climb a fun route for me, Quinn. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
