by Bristol, age 9 from Augusta, Maine, asks Santa about footprint crafts, the Kennebec River, and Augusta’s role as Maine’s capital.
Dear Santa, my name is Bristol, and I am nine years old. I live in Augusta, Maine, where my dad says our whole state gets some of the earliest, snowiest winters in the entire country.
Dear Bristol, a state that welcomes winter that early makes for one of my favorite kinds of stops, your dad picked a truly wintery, wonderful hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Can I make Santa footprints? My mom wants to sprinkle flour by our fireplace and press little boot marks in it.
That sounds like a delightfully sneaky little Christmas Eve project, Bristol, flour footprints leading right from the fireplace are a classic trick. Your mom has a real talent for holiday magic.
My dad says Augusta sits along the Kennebec River. Is that true?
It is true, Bristol, the Kennebec River flows right through your city on its way to the Atlantic. I always follow that glimmering path to help find my way to your rooftop.
My dad says Augusta is the capital of the whole state of Maine. Is that true?
It is true, Bristol, Augusta serves as Maine’s capital, an important center of government for the whole state. That kind of steady, important responsibility keeps a small city rather busy.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Bristol Hale
Augusta, Maine
P.S. Will you make sure your footprints match the ones we made?
I will do my very best, Bristol, matching footprints are a matter of professional pride.
