by A history fan in Springfield asks when the Santa special airs, what a prairie is, and what Route 66 was
A Letter to Santa from Springfield, Illinois
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa! My name is Silas and I am 8 years old. I live in Springfield, Illinois, a prairie city in the Land of Lincoln. I love history and riding my bike along old roads. My question is: when does the movie Santa Claus Is Comin to Town come on? My geography question is: what is a prairie? And my social studies question is: what was Route 66? Thanks, Santa!
Love, Silas (age 8)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hello Silas! A history fan in the Land of Lincoln asks a good question. The television special Santa Claus Is Comin to Town first appeared way back in 1970, and ever since, it has been shown on television every December during the holiday season. So you can usually catch it sometime in December, though the exact night changes from year to year. The best plan is to ask a grown-up to check the TV or streaming listings as the holidays draw near, then settle in for a cozy watch.
Your geography question: what is a prairie
A prairie is a wide area of flat or gently rolling land covered mostly in grasses, with few trees. Your own Illinois is nicknamed the Prairie State because so much of it was once tall, waving grassland. Today much of that rich prairie soil grows corn and other crops, but you can still find protected patches of beautiful native prairie. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: Route 66
Route 66 was a famous old highway that stretched across the United States, passing right through your own Springfield. Long ago, countless families drove it on their journeys west, stopping at little diners and motels along the way. Nicknamed the Mother Road, it became a beloved part of American history and is still celebrated by travelers today. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Ride down an old road for me, Silas. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
