by Owen from Rockford asks Santa about a blow mold Santa decoration, learns about the Rock River, and hears about Rockford’s real Anderson Japanese Gardens winter lights display
Dear Santa, my name is Owen and I am nine years old. I live in Rockford, Illinois, where my grandma says a beautiful Japanese-style garden near our city glows softly every December with hundreds of gentle lights.
Dear Owen, I have admired that exact gentle glow myself while flying over, and your grandma’s description is entirely accurate.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, is there a blow mold Santa? My grandma has an old glowing plastic one from decades ago, and I wanted to know if that was a real, common decoration.
It certainly is, Owen, a beloved style of decoration from several decades back, still cherished by collectors today for its warm, nostalgic glow. Your grandma’s careful keeping of it is a lovely tradition.
My second question is about our river. My teacher says the Rock River flows right through Rockford. Is that true?
It is, Owen. The Rock River winds through Rockford, an important part of the city’s history and landscape. Flying along its frozen path each Christmas Eve is a genuinely peaceful part of my American route.
My third question is about the Japanese Gardens. My teacher says the winter lights display there is especially beautiful. Is that true?
It is true, Owen. Anderson Japanese Gardens hosts a beloved winter lights display each December, transforming its peaceful paths into a gentle, glowing wonderland. I always find it one of the most serene stops on my entire route.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Owen Larson
Rockford, Illinois
P.S. Do you fly slower over the gardens to admire them?
Every year, Owen. It would be a shame to rush past them.
