by Tyler from Minneapolis asks Santa about having a tree, learns where the Mississippi River begins, and hears about the National Christmas Tree tradition
Dear Santa, my name is Tyler and I am eight years old. I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where my dad says we have two seasons, winter and construction.
Dear Tyler, your father is describing most of the northern United States with unusual accuracy. I keep a spare set of snow tires on the sleigh just for your region.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, can I have a Christmas tree in my house? My mom says real trees are messy but my grandpa says fake trees do not smell right.
Both of them are correct, Tyler, which is the most frustrating kind of family disagreement. A real tree does smell wonderful, and a fake one does save your mother from finding needles in her socks until July. I recommend a real tree and a very good vacuum. That is my official position.
My second question is about a river. My teacher says a huge river starts near us in Minnesota, but I did not believe her because it looks tiny at first.
Your teacher is right, and it is a wonderful bit of geography. The Mississippi River, one of the longest rivers in the world, actually begins as a small stream you can walk across at Lake Itasca, right there in Minnesota. It grows enormous by the time it reaches the ocean, much like most good things do.
My third question is, do other countries put up a big tree like the one in Washington, D.C.? My aunt took me to see it light up.
Many countries do, and it is one of my favorite parts of the season. The National Christmas Tree in Washington has been lit every year since 1923, and I always find it touching that a whole country pauses together to watch one tree light up. It is a small ceremony that says something large: we are still capable of gathering just to feel hopeful together.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Tyler James Anderson
Minneapolis, Minnesota
P.S. My dog ate an ornament last year. He is fine. The ornament was not.
Noted, Tyler. I will pack this year’s ornaments a little higher on the tree, for the ornament’s sake.
