by Dakota, age 9, asks what Christmas movie Chuck Norris starred in, about the Everglades, and Orlando’s theme parks
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa, from Orlando. My name is Dakota and I am 9 years old. My uncle loves old action films from way before I was born, and he keeps trying to convince my dad that one of the greatest Christmas movies ever made stars a man who can apparently defeat anyone with just his beard.
My first question is: what Christmas movie was Chuck Norris in?
My second question is geography: what large wetland is near Orlando?
My third question is from school: why did Orlando become such a huge centre for theme parks?
I left you a slice of key lime pie and a cold glass of orange juice, fresh squeezed.
Love, Dakota, age 9, Orlando, Florida, USA
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Dakota, fresh squeezed orange juice is a genuine Florida treat, and the pie was tart and delicious. Now, to your uncle’s beloved action film, and your other questions.
What Christmas movie was Chuck Norris in?
Your uncle is talking about Invasion U.S.A., a 1985 action film in which Chuck Norris plays a retired agent pulled back into action to stop a group of invaders during the Christmas season, with plenty of dramatic, over-the-top rescues along the way, including saving a shopping mall full of holiday shoppers. It leans heavily into action rather than cosy holiday cheer, so it is a very different sort of Christmas film from most, though it does carry the festive setting your uncle enjoys so much.
What large wetland is near Orlando?
The Everglades stretch across much of southern Florida, not too far from Orlando, an enormous, slow-moving wetland ecosystem home to alligators and an incredible variety of birds.
Why did Orlando become a centre for theme parks?
Orlando’s central Florida location, affordable land, and warm year-round climate made it an attractive place for major theme parks to expand starting in the 1970s, and once the first big parks opened, other attractions followed, transforming the area into one of the most visited theme park destinations in the entire world.
Tell your uncle his taste in Christmas films is delightfully unusual, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
