by Isabella from Albuquerque asks Santa about a picture at the mall, learns about the Sandia Mountains, and hears about Albuquerque’s real Balloon Fiesta, the world’s largest hot air balloon festival
Dear Santa, my name is Isabella and I am nine years old. I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where my abuelo says our sky fills with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons every October, more than almost anywhere else in the world.
Dear Isabella, I have flown carefully among those exact balloons myself, and your abuelo’s description is entirely accurate.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, can I see a Santa picture at the mall? My mom wants a proper family photo this year, somewhere special.
Many malls host festive photo opportunities this time of year, Isabella, and a proper family photo sounds like a lovely tradition to start.
My second question is about our mountains. My teacher says the Sandia Mountains turn pink at sunset sometimes. Is that true?
It is, Isabella. The Sandia Mountains, whose name means watermelon in Spanish, often glow a beautiful pink or reddish color at sunset, giving them their fitting name. Flying near those colorful peaks each Christmas Eve is a genuinely beautiful part of my American route.
My third question is about the Balloon Fiesta. My teacher says it is the largest hot air balloon festival in the entire world. Is that true?
It is true, Isabella. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest gathering of hot air balloons anywhere on Earth, drawing pilots and spectators from around the globe each October. I always admire the careful skill it takes to pilot one of those balloons so gracefully.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Isabella Chávez
Albuquerque, New Mexico
P.S. Have you ever flown alongside a hot air balloon?
Once, Isabella, very briefly. We compared notes on wind patterns.
