by Grayson from Pittsburgh asks Santa about a movie, learns about the three rivers meeting in his city, and hears about Pittsburgh’s steel industry heritage and Light Up Night tradition
Dear Santa, my name is Grayson and I am nine years old. I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where my grandpa says three whole rivers meet right in the middle of our city, which he still finds impressive after all these years.
Dear Grayson, I have admired that exact meeting point myself while flying over, and your grandpa’s continued enthusiasm is entirely understandable.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, is Santa in Rise of the Guardians? My cousin loves that movie, but I honestly do not think you keep track of every appearance.
I try to stay neutral about discussing specific movies in too much detail myself, Grayson, though a version of me does appear in several animated features over the years. I am far more interested in hearing about your own Christmas than any single film.
My second question is about our rivers. My teacher says the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River right here. Is that true?
It is, Grayson. Those two rivers converge in Pittsburgh to form the Ohio River, a meeting point that shaped the city’s industrial history for generations. Flying over that confluence each Christmas Eve, bridges glowing on all three rivers, is a genuinely beautiful sight.
My third question is about Light Up Night. My teacher says our whole city celebrates the start of the season together every year. Is that true?
It is true, Grayson. Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night has been a beloved tradition since 1960, marking the official start of the holiday season with citywide lights and celebration. I always enjoy flying over that particular glow each year.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Grayson Kowalski
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
P.S. Do you fly a little slower over Light Up Night?
Every year, Grayson. It would be a shame to rush past it.
