by Sierra, age 8 from Las Vegas, Nevada, asks Santa about red Santa hats, the Mojave Desert, and the nearby Hoover Dam.
Dear Santa, my name is Sierra, and I am eight years old. I live in Las Vegas, Nevada, where my mom says it almost never rains, even though it can get surprisingly cold at night in December.
Dear Sierra, dry desert nights make for some of the clearest skies to spot my sleigh, your mom picked a truly starry hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Can I get a red Santa hat? My little brother wants matching ones for our whole family photo this year.
Red Santa hats are easy to find this time of year, Sierra, ask a grown-up to help track some down for the whole family. Matching hats in a photo sounds like a wonderfully festive tradition.
My mom says Las Vegas sits in a really dry desert called the Mojave. Is that true?
It is true, Sierra, the Mojave Desert surrounds your city, one of the driest regions in all of North America. I always pack a little extra water for the reindeer on that particular stop.
My mom says a huge dam nearby helps provide water and electricity to our whole region. Is that true?
It is true, Sierra, the Hoover Dam stands not far from your city, an enormous feat of engineering providing water and power to millions of people. That kind of careful planning and teamwork is really worth admiring.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Sierra Vasquez
Las Vegas, Nevada
P.S. Will you wear a matching hat for our photo too, just this once?
I already have quite the collection, Sierra, one more will fit right in.
