by Aoibhe from Sligo asks Santa for an easy way to draw him, learns about Benbulben mountain, and hears about Sligo’s literary connection to the poet W.B. Yeats
Dear Santa, my name is Aoibhe and I am nine years old. I live in Sligo, Ireland, where my nana says a flat-topped mountain nearby was so beloved by one famous poet that he is buried close beside it.
Dear Aoibhe, I have flown near that particular mountain many times myself, and your nana’s description is entirely accurate.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, is there an easy way to draw Santa? My art teacher wants us to try, but I always overthink the details too much.
Start simple, Aoibhe. A round face, a triangle for the hat, a fluffy circle for the beard, and rosy circles for cheeks. The easiest drawings often turn out the most charming, so do not worry too much about getting every detail exact.
My second question is about our mountain. My teacher says Benbulben has a very distinctive flat-topped shape. Is that true?
It is, Aoibhe. Benbulben rises with a striking flat top and steep sides, one of the most recognizable mountains in all of Ireland. Flying near its dramatic silhouette each Christmas Eve is a genuinely beautiful part of my Irish route.
My third question is about the poet. My teacher says a very famous writer loved this area so much that he wanted to be buried here. Is that true?
It is true, Aoibhe. W.B. Yeats, one of Ireland’s most celebrated poets, wrote often about this region and is buried in a churchyard near Benbulben, just as he wished. I think it is a beautiful thing when a place inspires someone so deeply.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Aoibhe Gallagher
Sligo, Ireland
P.S. Will you send me an easy drawing of yourself for reference?
The elves are sketching one now, Aoibhe.
