by Freddie from Durham asks Santa about professional Santa suits, learns about the River Wear, and hears about Durham Cathedral and Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Dear Santa, my name is Freddie and I am nine years old. I live in Durham, England, where my grandad says our cathedral and castle sit together on a hill surrounded almost entirely by a loop of river, like a natural moat.
Dear Freddie, I have flown a careful, admiring loop around that particular hill myself, and your grandad’s description is entirely accurate.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, can I get professional Santa suits? My dad volunteers as Santa for our local charity event and wants something properly nice this year.
Several shops specialize in professional-quality costumes this time of year, Freddie, and your dad’s dedication to a charity event sounds like a genuinely lovely reason to invest in a proper suit.
My second question is about our river. My teacher says the River Wear loops almost completely around Durham’s old city center. Is that true?
It is, Freddie. The River Wear curves in a dramatic loop around Durham’s historic peninsula, nearly surrounding the cathedral and castle. Flying over that winding, historic water each Christmas Eve is a genuinely beautiful part of my English route.
My third question is about the Cathedral and Castle. My teacher says they are recognized as an important historic site by the whole world. Is that true?
It is true, Freddie. Durham Cathedral and Castle are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for their remarkable Norman architecture. Flying past those towering walls each Christmas Eve fills me with genuine, quiet admiration.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Freddie Nixon
Durham, England
P.S. Will your suit ever wear out from so many years of use?
Never, Freddie. Mrs. Claus keeps a spare, just in case.
