by Nolan, age 8 from Santa Claus, Indiana, asks Santa about Lake Rudolph, the nearby Ohio River, and his town’s year-round Christmas spirit.
Dear Santa, my name is Nolan, and I am eight years old. I live in Santa Claus, Indiana, where my mom says our campground even has its own little lake right next door to the theme park.
Dear Nolan, a lake with its very own name right in your hometown is a fitting bit of Christmas magic, your mom picked a truly perfect hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a Rudolph Lake in Santa Claus, Indiana? My cousin said she went paddle boating there last summer.
There is, Nolan, Lake Rudolph sits right next to Holiday World, complete with paddle boats, fishing, and even a light show during the season. Your cousin picked a wonderfully fitting spot for a summer visit.
My mom says our town is in southern Indiana, not too far from the Ohio River. Is that true?
It is true, Nolan, Santa Claus sits in southern Indiana, not far from the winding Ohio River. I always enjoy that gentle, rolling landscape flying in to visit you.
My mom says our whole town’s economy and identity is built around Christmas all year long. Is that true?
It is true, Nolan, your town has built its entire identity and community spirit around Christmas, year round. That kind of dedication to spreading joy, three hundred and sixty five days a year, is really something worth admiring.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Nolan Baxter
Santa Claus, Indiana
P.S. Will you paddle boat on Lake Rudolph with me sometime?
Only in the off season, Nolan, my December schedule leaves little room for paddle boats.
