by Journey, age 8 from Tucson, Arizona, asks Santa about fun dances, the Sonoran Desert, and the city’s cultural heritage.
Dear Santa, my name is Journey, and I am eight years old. I live in Tucson, Arizona, where my grandma says giant cactus plants tower over our whole neighborhood.
Dear Journey, a neighborhood with cactus that tall deserves a very careful, prickly flyover, your grandma picked a truly desert-bright hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a Santa dance? My cousin wants to learn a fun one for our school talent show.
There certainly are silly little dances people do dressed up as me this time of year, Journey, a wiggle here and a hop there. Your cousin sounds like she has a wonderfully fun talent show act planned.
My grandma says Tucson sits in the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by mountains. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, the Sonoran Desert stretches around your city, mountains rising on nearly every side. I always enjoy that dramatic, sunlit landscape flying in to visit you.
My grandma says Tucson has a long history tied to Native American and Mexican culture. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, Tucson’s culture is deeply shaped by Native American and Mexican traditions stretching back centuries. That kind of rich, shared heritage is really something worth celebrating, Christmas and every day after.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Journey Alvarado
Tucson, Arizona
P.S. Will you teach the elves the dance too this year?
Already learned, Journey, the whole workshop enjoys a good wiggle.
