by Ethan, age 9, writes to Santa from Anchorage, Alaska, United States, and asks what does santa eat on christmas eve?
Dear Santa,
My name is Ethan, and I am 9 years old. I live in Anchorage, Alaska, United States, where the sun barely rises above the mountains some days in December, so it stays dim nearly all day long.
Dear Ethan, that is exactly the sort of detail I like to hear about Anchorage, Alaska. It tells me you are paying close attention to the world around you, which is a fine habit to keep. Please keep noticing things like that.
Santa, I have three questions. First, what does Santa eat on Christmas Eve? My dad and I were arguing about it at breakfast.
Whatever kind souls like you leave out for me, which by the end of the night adds up to an enormous and slightly alarming variety of cookies, milk, and the occasional carrot for the reindeer.
Second, my grandpa was telling us about the Chugach Mountains, which rise up dramatically right at the edge of his city. Do you fly over that on your Christmas Eve route?
Every single year, without fail. The chugach mountains, which rise up dramatically right at the edge of his city is one of the sights the reindeer look forward to most, and I always tell the newer reindeer to watch closely as we pass over, because there are not many views in the whole wide world quite like it. Rudolph tends to slow down just a little right there, and I have learned not to rush him.
Third, is it true that north Pole? My family was talking about it and I want to know if it is real.
It certainly is true. North pole, alaska, a real town not far from his city, is famous for keeping christmas decorations and a santa claus house open all year round. I think that is a wonderful thing for a family to talk about, because customs like that are exactly what make United States feel like United States, and they are precisely the sort of thing that keeps a community close together, especially in the winter months.
Thank you for your letter and your good questions, Ethan. Keep noticing the world around you, keep asking honest questions, and keep being kind to the people in Anchorage, Alaska. That is the whole spirit of Christmas right there. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Ethan
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
P.S. Does Santa Claus ever visit Anchorage, Alaska too, or is that only your job?
We split the map fairly evenly, and Santa Claus handles that part of the world beautifully. Consider it a very old and very friendly arrangement.
