by A hiker in Boise asks how old Santa is, what a river canyon is, and what a gold rush was
A Letter to Santa from Boise, Idaho
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa! My name is Hailey and I am 8 years old. I live in Boise, Idaho, a city tucked between mountains and rivers, in a state famous for potatoes. I love hiking and helping in our garden. My question is: how old is Santa Claus, really? My geography question is: what is a river canyon, like Hells Canyon? And my social studies question is: what was a gold rush? Thanks, Santa!
Love, Hailey (age 8)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hello Hailey! A hiker and gardener asks a fine question about age. The truth is, I am so old that I have happily lost count. The saint I grew from lived about 1,700 years ago, and the cheerful, modern me is roughly 200 years old. But here is the secret: I never feel my age one bit. I am as merry and spry as ever, because a heart full of joy keeps a fellow young. So if anyone asks how old I am, you can simply tell them that Santa is wonderfully, happily old.
Your geography question: a river canyon
A river canyon is a deep, narrow valley carved out by a river slowly cutting through rock over a very long time. Your own Idaho is home to Hells Canyon, which is the deepest river canyon in all of North America, even deeper than the famous Grand Canyon. Standing at its edge, you can feel just how powerful patient water can be. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: a gold rush
A gold rush was an exciting time long ago when people heard that gold had been found somewhere and rushed there by the thousands, hoping to strike it rich. Your own Idaho had gold rushes in its early days, and boomtowns sprang up almost overnight. Some people found fortune, while most found only hard work, but the rushes helped settle the West. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Hike to a great view for me, Hailey. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
