by Millie, age 9 from Newcastle, England, asks Santa about Mrs. Claus outfits, the River Tyne, and Newcastle’s coal mining history.
Dear Santa, my name is Millie, and I am nine years old. I live in Newcastle, England, where my grandad says there is an old saying about our city and coal that people still repeat today.
Dear Millie, that old saying has always amused me, your grandad picked a truly clever hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
What is a Ms. Santa Claus outfit? My little sister wants to dress up like Mrs. Claus this year instead of an elf.
A Mrs. Claus outfit usually includes a long red or green dress, a warm shawl, and little wire spectacles, Millie. Your little sister would make a wonderful Mrs. Claus, she runs the workshop with far more patience than I ever could.
My grandad says Newcastle sits along a river called the Tyne, with famous bridges crossing it. Is that true?
It is true, Millie, the River Tyne winds through your city, crossed by several beautiful bridges. I always follow that river to find my way to your rooftop.
My grandad says people used to say carrying coals to Newcastle because our city produced so much of it. Is that true?
It is true, Millie, Newcastle was once such an important coal producing city that bringing coal there seemed pointless, hence that old saying. History has a funny way of turning into a lasting bit of local pride.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Millie Armstrong
Newcastle, England
P.S. Can you help my sister find some little spectacles for her costume?
I will ask the elves to search the costume closet, Millie, they are surprisingly well stocked.
