by Aria, age 8, asks Santa Claus do you have the most famous name in the whole world?, about the Rocky Mountains, and why Denver is the Mile High City
Dear Santa Claus,
My name is Aria and I am 8 years old. I live in Denver, Colorado, where it snows so much in the mountains nearby that my family goes sledding the very same week we put up the tree.
First, do you have the most famous name in the whole world?
Second, a geography question: what mountain range runs right past Denver?
Third, a school question about my country: why is Denver called the Mile High City?
I left you sugar cookies and a glass of milk.
Love, Aria, age 8, Denver, Colorado, USA, Denver, Colorado, USA
From the Desk of Santa Claus
Dear Aria, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you have the most famous name in the whole world?
I would not want to boast, though I will admit letters do seem to find me under nearly every name and in nearly every language.
What mountain range runs right past Denver?
Denver sits right at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, and flying over those enormous snow-covered peaks on the way into the city is one of the most spectacular stretches of my entire American route.
Why is Denver called the Mile High City?
Denver earned its nickname because its official elevation is exactly one mile, 5,280 feet, above sea level, marked by a special step on the state capitol building. That height gives the city thinner air and famously intense sunshine, even in the middle of winter.
Merry Christmas, Aria.
Ho ho ho, Santa Claus
