by Destiny, age 9 from Memphis, Tennessee, asks Santa about Christmas at Graceland, the Mississippi River, and Memphis’s musical history.
Dear Santa, my name is Destiny, and I am nine years old. I live in Memphis, Tennessee, where my grandma says our whole city practically hums with music, especially along the famous street downtown.
Dear Destiny, a city that hums with music year round has earned a very special place on my route, your grandma picked a truly soulful hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Have you seen Christmas at Graceland? My grandma says the real Graceland gets decorated every single December.
I have seen the movie, and your grandma is right about the real place too, Destiny. Graceland is a genuine historic home right there in Memphis, and it gets covered in lights and decorations every holiday season, a truly dazzling sight from the sleigh.
My teacher says Memphis sits right along the Mississippi River. Is that true?
It is true, Destiny, the Mississippi River runs right past your city, one of the longest and most important rivers in the whole country. I always follow its glimmer at night to help find my way to your rooftop.
My grandma says Memphis has been a really important city for music history for a very long time. Is that true?
It is true, Destiny, Memphis holds a deeply important place in the history of American music, shaping sounds that spread across the whole world. That kind of creative legacy, passed down through generations, deserves real pride.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Destiny Carter
Memphis, Tennessee
P.S. Will you fly past Graceland’s lights on your way to my house?
Every single year, Destiny, that stop is simply too good to skip.
