by Ryan, age 8, asks Santa Claus why do you always wear a red suit?, about Lake Ontario, and Canada’s two official languages
Dear Santa Claus,
My name is Ryan and I am 8 years old. I live in Toronto, Canada, where my whole family bundles up for the Santa Claus Parade downtown, and my dad says it has been happening since before my grandpa was born.
First, why do you always wear a red suit?
Second, a geography question: what lake is Toronto built along?
Third, a school question about my country: why does Canada have both English and French as official languages?
I left you a Nanaimo bar and tea.
Love, Ryan, age 8, Toronto, Canada, Toronto, Canada
From the Desk of Santa Claus
Dear Ryan, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Why do you always wear a red suit?
Red became the standard many generations ago, and by now it feels as much a part of the job as the sleigh itself.
What lake is Toronto built along?
Toronto sits right along Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes, and its skyline lit up along the frozen shoreline on a clear December night makes for a beautiful, glittering approach by sleigh.
Why does Canada have both English and French as official languages?
Canada’s history includes both British and French settlement and governance, and to reflect that shared heritage, the country adopted both English and French as official languages in 1969. Today both languages appear on packaging, government documents, and signs right across the country.
Merry Christmas, Ryan.
Ho ho ho, Santa Claus
