by Scarlett, age 8 from Richmond, Virginia, asks Santa about the Year Without a Santa Claus special, the James River, and Virginia’s colonial history.
Dear Santa, my name is Scarlett, and I am eight years old. I live in Richmond, Virginia, where my grandma says our state was actually one of the very first thirteen colonies a long, long time ago.
Dear Scarlett, a state with roots that deep in history deserves a very respectful flyover, your grandma picked a truly historic hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a Year Without a Santa Claus movie? My mom says she watched it every year when she was little.
There is, Scarlett, a beloved classic stop-motion special that has entertained families for generations. Your mom has excellent taste, that one has stuck around in people’s hearts for a very long time.
My grandma says Richmond sits right along the James River. Is that true?
It is true, Scarlett, the James River winds right through your city on its way to the Chesapeake Bay. I always follow its glimmer at night to help find my way to your rooftop.
My grandma says Virginia was one of the original thirteen colonies that later became the United States. Is that true?
It is true, Scarlett, Virginia was one of the very first thirteen colonies, with a history stretching back centuries. That kind of deep, shared history is part of what makes a Virginia Christmas feel so wonderfully steeped in tradition.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Scarlett Dixon
Richmond, Virginia
P.S. Will you watch that movie with my mom again this year?
I would be delighted to, Scarlett, though I already know exactly how it ends.
