by Marlowe, age 8 from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, asks Santa how many reindeer he has, the city’s two rivers, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Dear Santa, my name is Marlowe, and I am eight years old. I live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where my grandpa says a very famous cracked bell sits on display not far from our house.
Dear Marlowe, that cracked old bell has always fascinated me flying past, your grandpa picked a truly historic hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
How many reindeer does Santa have? My little brother keeps counting different numbers depending on the story he hears.
My full team includes eight steady flyers, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen, plus Rudolph leading the way on foggy nights, making nine in total. Tell your little brother nine is the proper, official count.
My grandpa says Philadelphia sits between two rivers, the Delaware and the Schuylkill. Is that true?
It is true, Marlowe, both the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers wind through your city, meeting not far from downtown. I always follow those glimmering paths to help find my way to your rooftop.
My grandpa says the Declaration of Independence was actually signed right here in Philadelphia. Is that true?
It is true, Marlowe, the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia in 1776, a truly pivotal moment in the country’s history. That kind of bold, hopeful beginning is something worth remembering and honoring every year.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Marlowe Bennett
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
P.S. Will you tell my brother nine is the final answer?
Officially confirmed, Marlowe, nine and not a reindeer more.
