by Rowan, age 9 from Columbus, Ohio, asks Santa about Mrs. Claus’s age, the Scioto River, and Columbus’s role as Ohio’s capital.
Dear Santa, my name is Rowan, and I am nine years old. I live in Columbus, Ohio, where my dad says our whole state is nicknamed the Buckeye State after a special kind of tree seed.
Dear Rowan, a state named after a tree seed is a rather charming bit of trivia, your dad picked a truly nutty, wonderful hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
How old is Mrs. Claus? My grandma says she must be even older than you.
Mrs. Claus and I have both been at this for so long that counting exact years stopped mattering ages ago, Rowan. Let us just say she is precisely as old as patience itself, which never seems to run out.
My dad says Columbus sits right along the Scioto River. Is that true?
It is true, Rowan, the Scioto River winds right through your city, an important waterway for the whole region. I always follow that glimmering path to help find my way to your rooftop.
My dad says Columbus is both the capital and the largest city in all of Ohio. Is that true?
It is true, Rowan, Columbus serves as both Ohio’s capital and its largest city, an important center of government and community. That kind of double responsibility keeps a city very busy indeed.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Rowan Ellison
Columbus, Ohio
P.S. Will you tell my grandma Mrs. Claus is not that old?
Diplomatically worded, Rowan, I will do my very best.
