by Willa from Asheville asks Santa about a real plant, learns about the ancient Appalachian Mountains, and hears about the Moravian Christmas putz tradition
Dear Santa, my name is Willa and I am nine years old. I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where my grandpa says our mountains are so old they have worn down soft and round instead of staying sharp and pointy.
Dear Willa, your grandpa is exactly right, and I have always found those gentle, rounded peaks a particularly peaceful part of my route.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, what is a Christmas fern? My mom pointed one out on our hike and said it was named that for a reason, but she was not totally sure why.
Great question, Willa. The Christmas fern is a real plant, native right there in the Appalachian region, and it earned its name because it stays green through the winter, often still visible right around Christmastime when most other plants have gone brown. A little stubborn green reminder that the season is here.
My second question is about our mountains. My teacher says the Appalachians are some of the oldest mountains in the entire world. Is that true?
It is, Willa. The Appalachian Mountains are estimated to be several hundred million years old, among the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, far older even than the Rocky Mountains. Flying over their soft, ancient ridges every Christmas Eve feels a little like visiting a very old, very patient friend.
My third question is about the putz. My church sets up a huge nativity display with little houses and figures every December. My friend calls it a putz. Is that a real word?
It is, Willa, and a lovely tradition too. A putz, from the Moravian settlers who brought the custom to parts of North Carolina, is an elaborate nativity display, often with miniature landscapes, buildings, and figures built by hand and displayed with real care. It is a wonderful example of a small community keeping a very old, very detailed tradition alive for generations.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Willa Carter
Asheville, North Carolina
P.S. Do you have Christmas ferns at the North Pole?
Sadly no, Willa, too cold. We make do with a great deal of holly instead.
