by Tucker, age 9 from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, asks Santa about the classic song, Oklahoma’s Native American heritage, and the state’s name origin.
Dear Santa, my name is Tucker, and I am nine years old. I live in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where my grandpa says our whole state has strong ties to many Native American nations who call it home.
Dear Tucker, a state with that much rich history and heritage deserves a very respectful flyover, your grandpa picked a truly meaningful hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a song called ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’? My grandpa says a famous singer with ties to our own state made it popular.
There is, Tucker, and your grandpa is right, that cheerful song has been a beloved holiday favorite for many decades, recorded by a singer with real Oklahoma roots. Songs like that have a wonderful way of sticking around.
My grandpa says Oklahoma is home to many different Native American tribal nations. Is that true?
It is true, Tucker, Oklahoma is home to numerous Native American tribal nations, each with its own rich history and culture. I always fly with real respect and admiration over that deep, storied land.
My grandpa says our state’s name actually comes from a Choctaw phrase meaning red people. Is that true?
It is true, Tucker, Oklahoma’s name comes from Choctaw words meaning red people, honoring the Native nations who have called this land home for generations. Names carrying that much history are always worth remembering and respecting.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Tucker Ridge
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
P.S. Do you hum that song while flying over Oklahoma?
Every single year, Tucker, it fits the mood perfectly.
