by A storyteller in Jackson asks where Santa Claus, Indiana is, how Mississippi got its name, and why it has so many artists
A Letter to Santa from Jackson, Mississippi
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa! My name is Isaiah and I am 8 years old. I live in Jackson, Mississippi, a warm southern city full of music, porches, and friendly people. I love telling stories and playing the trumpet. My question is: where is Santa Claus, Indiana? Is it really a town? My geography question is: how did the state of Mississippi get its name? And my social studies question is: why have so many famous writers and musicians come from Mississippi? Thanks, Santa!
Love, Isaiah (age 8)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hello Isaiah! A young storyteller and trumpet player asks a question with a fun answer. Yes, Santa Claus, Indiana, is a real little town! It sits down in the southern part of the state of Indiana, and it is famous all over for sharing my name. Its post office is so busy with letters to me that helpful volunteers answer thousands of them every year, and people even visit just to mail cards with its special Santa Claus postmark. So it truly is a place you can find on the map, named in my honor.
Your geography question: how Mississippi got its name
Your own state of Mississippi is named after the mighty Mississippi River, which flows along its western edge. The name comes from a Native American word meaning great river or father of waters. Many states and places are named for the rivers, mountains, or peoples that shaped them, and Mississippi proudly carries the name of one of the greatest rivers of all. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: Mississippi’s storytellers
Your own Mississippi has given the world many famous writers and musicians, more than its share. Some people believe it grew from the state’s rich traditions of front-porch storytelling, gospel singing, and a deep love of language and music passed down through families. When a place treasures stories and song, it often raises remarkable artists. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Play a sweet trumpet tune for me, Isaiah. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
