by Malik, age 9 from Detroit, Michigan, asks Santa what happens in Santa Claus 3, the Detroit River, and the city’s automotive and musical legacy.
Dear Santa, my name is Malik, and I am nine years old. I live in Detroit, Michigan, where my grandpa says our city is one of the only places in America where you actually look south to see Canada.
Dear Malik, that little geography surprise has confused more than one grown-up over the years, your grandpa picked a truly clever hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
What happens in Santa Claus 3? My cousin says the villain in it tries to take over your whole job.
Your cousin has it right, Malik, in that one a mischievous character named Jack Frost tricks Santa into giving up his role, briefly turning Christmas upside down before everything gets sorted out with the help of family. It ends with plenty of heart, as these stories tend to.
My grandpa says Detroit sits right across the river from Windsor, Canada. Is that true?
It is true, Malik, the Detroit River separates your city from Windsor, Ontario, and because of the river’s curve, you actually look south to see Canada rather than north. I always double check my compass before that particular crossing.
My grandpa says Detroit has been really important for making cars and for music for a long time. Is that true?
It is true, Malik, Detroit earned its nickname as a major center of automobile manufacturing, and it has also produced an extraordinary amount of important music over the decades. That kind of creative, hardworking legacy is really something worth being proud of.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Malik Johnson
Detroit, Michigan
P.S. Do you ever get confused about which way is which flying over your river?
Only slightly, Malik, the reindeer are much better with directions than I am.
