by Josephine from Newport asks Santa about a cozy movie, learns about Narragansett Bay, and hears about Newport’s historic mansion Christmas tours
Dear Santa, my name is Josephine and I am nine years old. I live in Newport, Rhode Island, where my grandma says our state is so small that some visitors accidentally drive through it entirely without realizing.
Dear Josephine, I have heard that exact confusion from travelers myself, and your grandma is not exaggerating about how small Rhode Island truly is.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, have you seen Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point? My mom watches a lot of cozy small-town Christmas movies, and Newport always reminds her of places like that.
I have not caught that particular one myself, Josephine, though Newport genuinely does have that same cozy, small-town charm, especially with the harbor all lit up for the season.
My second question is about our bay. My teacher says Narragansett Bay shapes almost our entire state’s coastline. Is that true?
It is, Josephine. Narragansett Bay cuts deeply into Rhode Island, shaping much of its coastline and history as a major sailing and fishing region. Flying along its edges each Christmas Eve, harbor lights reflecting on the water, is a genuinely lovely, compact part of my New England route.
My third question is about the mansions. My family tours the big historic houses decorated for Christmas every December. Why are those mansions so important to Newport’s history?
Newport’s grand historic mansions were built by wealthy families in the late 1800s as elaborate summer residences, and today several are beautifully decorated and opened for public Christmas tours, sharing a glimpse of that era’s history and craftsmanship. I always enjoy flying past those glowing, elegant windows each December.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Josephine Carr
Newport, Rhode Island
P.S. Do you visit the mansions on your route too?
Every year, Josephine. They are far too grand to fly past quickly.
