by Journey, age 8 from Lititz, Pennsylvania, asks Santa about folk art figures, Pennsylvania Dutch country, and its craft traditions.
Dear Santa, my name is Journey, and I am eight years old. I live in Lititz, Pennsylvania, where my grandma says our town has been named one of the prettiest little main streets in the whole country.
Dear Journey, a town with a main street that pretty deserves a very appreciative flyover, your grandma picked a truly charming hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a folk art Santa? My grandpa carves and paints simple wooden figures in the old Pennsylvania Dutch style.
There certainly are folk art versions of me out there, Journey, simple carved shapes and cheerful hand-painted colors, especially in styles like your grandpa’s. His careful craft sounds like exactly the kind of tradition worth passing down.
My grandma says Lititz sits in Pennsylvania Dutch country. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, your town rests right in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, known for its rich craft traditions. I always enjoy that peaceful, storied landscape flying in to visit you.
My grandma says Pennsylvania Dutch folk art has been passed down through families for generations. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, that folk art tradition has been carefully passed down through families for generations. That kind of patient, careful artistry is really something worth celebrating, Christmas and every day after.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Journey Zimmerman
Lititz, Pennsylvania
P.S. Will you display my grandpa’s carving in your own workshop this year?
A place of honor, Journey, good craftsmanship deserves proper display.
