by Alfie, age 8 from Leeds, England, asks Santa about greeting him, the River Aire, and Leeds’s Industrial Revolution history.
Dear Santa, my name is Alfie, and I am eight years old. I live in Leeds, England, where my nan says our city grew hugely during a time when lots of factories and mills were being built.
Dear Alfie, a city built on that much hardworking industry deserves a very appreciative flyover, your nan picked a truly bustling hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Can I say ‘Happy Christmas Santa Claus’? My teacher says that is actually more proper here than ‘Merry Christmas.’
Both greetings suit me just fine, Alfie, though your teacher is right that Happy Christmas has traditionally been the more common phrase here in Britain. Whichever version you choose, the warmth behind it matters far more than the exact words.
My nan says Leeds sits along the River Aire. Is that true?
It is true, Alfie, the River Aire winds right through your city on its way to the sea. I always follow that glimmering path to help find my way to your rooftop.
My nan says Leeds grew enormously during a period when lots of factories and mills were built here. Is that true?
It is true, Alfie, Leeds expanded rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, mills and factories shaping much of the city’s growth. That kind of hardworking, inventive spirit still shapes your city’s character today.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Alfie Dawson
Leeds, England
P.S. Will you say ‘Happy Christmas’ back to me this year?
Happily, Alfie, both greetings have earned a proper place in my vocabulary.
