by Journey, age 9 from Pocatello, Idaho, asks Santa about his roots in Saint Nicholas, the Oregon Trail, and Idaho’s potato farming.
Dear Santa, my name is Journey, and I am nine years old. I live in Pocatello, Idaho, where my grandma says our town sits along an old trail that pioneers once traveled heading west.
Dear Journey, a town along a trail that historic deserves a very respectful flyover, your grandma picked a truly storied hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is Santa Christian? My grandma says my giving gifts started with a real Christian saint a long time ago.
Your grandma is quite right, Journey, my story grew from Saint Nicholas, a kind Christian bishop known for his generosity many centuries ago. Over time, people all around the world, of many different beliefs, have joined in the spirit of giving.
My grandma says Pocatello sits along the historic Oregon Trail route. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, your town rests near that famous pioneer trail, an important path for travelers heading west long ago. I always enjoy that storied, well-traveled landscape flying in to visit you.
My grandma says Idaho grows more potatoes than almost any other state. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, Idaho leads the nation in potato production, fields stretching for miles across the state. That kind of steady, essential work deserves real appreciation, Christmas and every day after.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Journey Redding
Pocatello, Idaho
P.S. Will you tell me more about Saint Nicholas sometime?
Gladly, Journey, a good story is always worth sharing.
