by Mateo, age 9, asks how long a tree takes to grow, about Aconcagua, and biodiversity
Dear Santa,
Hola from Buenos Aires. My name is Mateo and I am 9 years old. It is high summer here in December, so we eat our big Nochebuena dinner outside under the stars, and fireworks go off across the whole city right at midnight, which always makes our dog hide under the table.
My first question is: how long does it take a Christmas tree to grow?
My second question is geography: what is the tallest mountain in the Americas?
My third question is from school: why does Argentina have such incredible biodiversity?
I left you an empanada and a glass of very cold water, since it is far too hot for cocoa.
Love, Mateo, age 9, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Mateo, cold water was exactly right, and the empanada disappeared before the reindeer even noticed. Now to your fine questions.
How long does it take a Christmas tree to grow?
A real Christmas tree usually takes between seven and ten years to grow to the height most families want, around two metres tall, though it depends on the type of tree and how it is cared for. Tree farmers plant seedlings, then trim and shape them every year so they grow full and even rather than tall and thin. It is patient work, a whole decade of care for a tree that gets to shine in someone home for just a few joyful weeks.
What is the tallest mountain in the Americas?
The tallest mountain in the whole of the Americas is Aconcagua, right there in Argentina, standing about 6,961 metres high in the Andes mountains. It is also the tallest mountain outside of Asia in the entire world, and climbers travel from every continent to attempt it. From high enough in the sky on my sleigh, I can just make out its snowy peak on a clear night.
Why does Argentina have such incredible biodiversity?
Argentina stretches an enormous distance from north to south, covering tropical wetlands, dry deserts, the towering Andes, and icy glaciers near the very bottom of South America. That huge range of climates and landscapes means an enormous variety of plants and animals can thrive somewhere within the country borders, from jaguars in the north to penguins in the south. Few countries pack quite so many different worlds into one.
Keep the dog calm during the fireworks, and I shall see you under your summer stars.
Ho ho ho, Santa
