by Everly, age 8 from Dover, Delaware, asks Santa about his elves, being the second smallest state, and Delaware’s First State history.
Dear Santa, my name is Everly, and I am eight years old. I live in Dover, Delaware, where my dad says our whole state is one of the smallest in the entire country, even though it was the very first to join.
Dear Everly, being first in line has its own kind of charm, your dad picked a truly historic hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Does Santa have elves? My little brother wants to know how many helpers you really have.
I certainly do, Everly, hundreds of elves keep the workshop running smoothly, building toys and wrapping presents all year long. Tell your little brother that no single person, not even me, could manage Christmas entirely alone.
My dad says Delaware is one of the smallest states in the whole country by land size. Is that true?
It is true, Everly, Delaware is the second smallest state in the entire country, though it certainly does not lack for charm. I always finish that particular stretch of my route rather quickly.
My dad says Delaware was the very first state to officially join the country by ratifying the Constitution. Is that true?
It is true, Everly, Delaware proudly earned the nickname The First State by being the very first to ratify the Constitution back in 1787. Being first at something worthwhile is always a fine thing to be proud of.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Everly Barnes
Dover, Delaware
P.S. Will you tell my little brother exactly how many elves you have?
Somewhere in the hundreds, Everly, though counting them exactly has never gone smoothly.
