by A bright boy in Nairobi asks Santa for his number, the meaning of the equator, and why we use money
A Letter to Santa from Nairobi, Kenya
Dear Santa,
Jambo Santa! My name is Amani and I am 9 years old. I live in Nairobi and I love drawing and running races at school. I really want to know: what is Santa Claus’s phone number? I would like to call you! My geography question is: what is the equator? And my social studies question is: why do people use money instead of just swapping things? Asante sana, Santa!
Love, Amani (age 9)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, Amani, jambo to you too! I must be honest with you, I do not have a telephone number. My workshop sits so far up at the top of the world that the nearest phone line is buried under a mountain of snow, and the elves are terribly forgetful about charging batteries. But do not worry, the very best way to reach me is exactly what you just did: a letter. Every single one is read at the North Pole post office, and yours made me smile. So keep writing, and I will always listen.
Your geography question: the equator
The equator is an imaginary line that wraps around the very middle of the Earth, like a belt. And here is something marvelous: it runs right through your own Kenya! Countries that sit on the equator do not have icy winters the way the North Pole does, and their days and nights stay about the same length all year round. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: why people use money
A very long time ago, people simply traded one thing for another, perhaps a basket of maize for a young goat. But that was tricky, because what if the goat owner did not want maize? So clever people invented money as a fair and simple way to swap things. Money is really just a promise that everyone agrees to trust. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Run fast at your next race, Amani, and keep drawing. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
Santa’s Phone Number
SOURCE: santasphonecalls.com
