by Charlie, age 8 from Birmingham, England, asks Santa about weather forecasting, Birmingham’s canals, and its Industrial Revolution history.
Dear Santa, my name is Charlie, and I am eight years old. I live in Birmingham, England, where my dad says our city actually has more canals running through it than Venice does.
Dear Charlie, more canals than Venice is a delightful bit of trivia, your dad picked a truly watery, wonderful hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Does Santa know about the weather? My mum wants to know if you check the forecast before flying.
I keep a very close eye on the weather every single Christmas Eve, Charlie, snow, wind, or clear skies all shape my route. Tell your mum the reindeer appreciate a good forecast just as much as I do.
My dad says Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice, Italy. Is that true?
It is true, Charlie, Birmingham’s network of canals stretches even further than Venice’s famous waterways, built centuries ago for industry. I always enjoy that unexpected watery view flying over your city.
My dad says Birmingham used to be called the workshop of the world because so many things were made there. Is that true?
It is true, Charlie, Birmingham earned that nickname during the Industrial Revolution, producing an enormous share of the world’s manufactured goods. That kind of hardworking, inventive spirit still shapes your city today.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Charlie Wren
Birmingham, England
P.S. Will you check the forecast extra carefully for our house this year?
Always, Charlie, a good sleigh driver never skips the weather report.
