by Willow, age 8, asks how the Grinch tries to steal Christmas, about the Savannah River, and the city’s squares
Dear Santa,
Alright Santa, from Savannah. My name is Willow and I am 8 years old. My grandpa reads us the same rhyming story every single Christmas Eve, about a grumpy green creature who tries to ruin the holiday and ends up learning something important instead.
My first question is: how does the Grinch actually try to steal Christmas, and what happens in the end?
My second question is geography: what river flows through Savannah?
My third question is from school: why does Savannah have so many historic squares?
I left you a pecan praline and a glass of sweet tea.
Love, Willow, age 8, Savannah, Georgia, USA
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Willow, a pecan praline is a proper Southern treat, sweet and buttery, thank you very much. Now, to your grandpa’s beloved story, and your other questions.
How does the Grinch try to steal Christmas?
The story comes from a book written by Dr. Seuss in 1957, about a grumpy, solitary creature living on a mountain above the cheerful town of Whoville, who despises the noise and joy of the holiday season. On Christmas Eve, he disguises himself and sneaks down into town, quietly creeping into every house to steal all the presents, decorations, and even the roast beast from every single Christmas feast, hoping that without any of it, the Whos will simply give up on Christmas. Instead, he hears the Whos singing joyfully together on Christmas morning anyway, realising that Christmas never depended on presents or feasts at all. His heart grows, famously described as growing three sizes, and he ends up returning everything and joining the celebration himself.
What river flows through Savannah?
The Savannah River flows along the city, historically important for trade and shipping, with the city’s famous cobblestone riverfront still bustling with visitors today.
Why does Savannah have so many historic squares?
Savannah was carefully planned in 1733 by its founder James Oglethorpe, who designed the city around a grid of shaded public squares, twenty two of which still survive today, giving Savannah its uniquely walkable, green character unlike most American cities.
Enjoy that story again this year, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
