by Colter from Cody asks Santa about a ranch movie, learns about Yellowstone being the world’s first national park, and hears about Wyoming’s rodeo and ranching heritage
Dear Santa, my name is Colter and I am nine years old. I live in Cody, Wyoming, where my grandpa says our whole town was basically built by a famous frontier showman a long time ago.
Dear Colter, your grandpa is entirely right, and I have flown over that particular frontier history for a very long time myself.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, have you seen Christmas on the Range? My family does actual ranch chores every evening, so movies about ranches always feel especially real to us.
I have caught bits of similar ones, Colter, and doing genuine ranch chores while watching ranch stories sounds like an honest, grounded way to spend a winter evening.
My second question is about our park. My teacher says the very first national park in the entire world is close to us. Is Yellowstone really that significant?
It is, Colter. Yellowstone, established in 1872, was the first national park ever created anywhere on Earth, protecting its geysers, wildlife, and dramatic landscape for generations to come. Flying near it each Christmas Eve, steam rising from hot springs against the snow, is one of the most unusual, beautiful sights on my entire route.
My third question is about ranching. My family has raised cattle for generations, and rodeo is a huge part of our town’s identity too. Why does that tradition matter so much in Wyoming?
Ranching and rodeo hold deep roots in Wyoming’s history and identity, Colter, families like yours carrying forward skills, values, and a genuine connection to the land across generations. I think that kind of patient, hardworking tradition deserves real respect, whatever season it happens in.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Colter Beck
Cody, Wyoming
P.S. Do the reindeer get along with the cattle here too?
Reasonably well, Colter. There is the occasional respectful staring contest.
