by Ximena, age 9 from Guadalajara, Mexico, asks Santa about the campy classic film, being Mexico’s second largest city, and the poinsettia’s Mexican origins.
Dear Santa, my name is Ximena, and I am nine years old. I live in Guadalajara, Mexico, where my abuela says mariachi music was born right here in our own city.
Dear Ximena, a city that gave the world mariachi music deserves a very cheerful flyover, your abuela picked a truly musical hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a Santa Claus and the Martians movie? My primo says it is the strangest Christmas movie he has ever seen.
There is, Ximena, a wonderfully strange and campy film from many years ago, and your primo is not wrong about its unusual reputation. It has become something of a curious classic among old Christmas movie fans.
My abuela says Guadalajara is the second largest city in all of Mexico. Is that true?
It is true, Ximena, Guadalajara ranks as Mexico’s second largest city, full of history and culture. I always enjoy that lively, colorful skyline on my way to your rooftop.
My abuela says the poinsettia flower, so popular at Christmas, actually comes from Mexico originally. Is that true?
It is true, Ximena, the poinsettia is native to Mexico, where it grows wild before becoming a beloved Christmas decoration around the world. It is rather lovely that one of Christmas’s most familiar flowers traces its roots right back to your own country.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Ximena Delgado
Guadalajara, Mexico
P.S. Will you show that strange movie to the elves this year?
Perhaps, Ximena, though I suspect it will need quite a bit of explaining.
