by A gymnast in Charlotte asks when Santa started, what barrier islands are, and who the Wright Brothers were
A Letter to Santa from Charlotte, North Carolina
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa! My name is Lila and I am 8 years old. I live in Charlotte, North Carolina, a sunny city with the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and sandy islands to the east. I love gymnastics and reading. My question is: when did Santa Claus start? My geography question is: what are barrier islands, like the Outer Banks? And my social studies question is: who were the Wright Brothers? Thanks, Santa!
Love, Lila (age 8)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hello Lila! A gymnast who loves to read asks a fine question about beginnings. My story started about 1,700 years ago, with the real Saint Nicholas, a kind man who quietly gave gifts to people in need. That was the true start of me. From that small beginning, the tradition grew and traveled for centuries, and the cheerful, red-suited Santa you picture today took his modern shape much later, mostly in the 1800s. So I started long, long ago and have been growing merrier ever since.
Your geography question: barrier islands
Barrier islands are long, narrow islands of sand that run along a coast, just offshore. Your own North Carolina is famous for the Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands. They act like a shield, protecting the mainland from rough ocean waves and storms, while creating calm waters and beautiful beaches behind them. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: the Wright Brothers
The Wright Brothers were two clever brothers who built and flew the very first powered airplane, and they did it right on the windy sands of your own North Carolina, at a place called Kitty Hawk. Their short flight changed the world forever, leading to all the airplanes that fly today. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Stick a perfect landing for me, Lila. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
