by A history lover in Richmond asks the cost of Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, what the Shenandoah Valley is, and what Jamestown was
A Letter to Santa from Richmond, Virginia
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa! My name is Naomi and I am 8 years old. I live in Richmond, Virginia, a historic city by a river, in a state full of old battlefields and rolling hills. I love history and horseback riding. My question is: how much does it cost to visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi? My geography question is: what is the Shenandoah Valley? And my social studies question is: what was Jamestown? Thanks, Santa!
Love, Naomi (age 8)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hello Naomi! A history lover who rides horses asks a fine question. The town of Rovaniemi, up in Lapland, in Finland, is exactly where that famous Santa Claus Village sits. Entering the village is generally free, so you can stroll around, meet a Santa, and step across the Arctic Circle line without a ticket. Some activities and rides inside the village do cost extra, though, and the prices change from year to year. So the village itself is usually free to visit, while the special adventures have fees. A grown-up can check the latest for you.
Your geography question: the Shenandoah Valley
The Shenandoah Valley is a long, beautiful valley in your own Virginia, nestled between two mountain ranges. Its rich soil makes it wonderful for farming, and its gentle, green landscape has been treasured for centuries. A valley is the low land that sits between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: Jamestown
Jamestown, in your own Virginia, was the first permanent English settlement in what became the United States, founded long ago. The early settlers there faced great hardships, but Jamestown marked the beginning of lasting English colonies in America. It is an important, and complicated, starting point in the nation’s long story. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Ride well for me, Naomi. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
