by Ellie from Racine asks Santa about wearing an ugly sweater, learns about Lake Michigan’s Great Lakes region, and hears about Racine’s Danish heritage and Kringle pastry tradition
Dear Santa, my name is Ellie and I am nine years old. I live in Racine, Wisconsin, where my grandma says our town smells like fresh pastry every single morning, and it is absolutely true.
Dear Ellie, I can personally confirm that smell, and it is one of my favorite reasons to slow the sleigh down over Wisconsin.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, can I wear a Christmas ugly sweater to our school party? My mom got me one with a slightly cross-eyed reindeer on it and I actually love it.
Wear it with great pride, Ellie. A slightly cross-eyed reindeer is exactly the kind of charming imperfection that makes an ugly sweater properly excellent. I fully approve of your choice.
My second question is about our lake. My teacher says Lake Michigan is one of the biggest lakes in the whole world. Is that true?
It is, Ellie. Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes, so large it genuinely resembles an inland sea. Flying low over its frozen, moonlit surface each Christmas Eve is one of the most peaceful sights on my entire route through the Midwest.
My third question is about Kringle. My family always has a big oval pastry called Kringle at Christmas, and my teacher said it came from Denmark originally. Is that true?
It is true, Ellie. Kringle was brought to Racine by Danish immigrants many generations ago, and the city has proudly kept that tradition alive ever since, even earning the nickname Kringleville because of it. I think it is a lovely example of a small community keeping a treasured piece of its heritage delicious and alive.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Ellie Hoffman
Racine, Wisconsin
P.S. Will you bring extra Kringle back to the North Pole?
Already planned, Ellie. The elves have specifically requested it.
