by Mackenzie, age 8, asks who started mall Santa costumes, about the Brisbane River, and the Sunshine State
Dear Santa,
Gday from Brisbane. My name is Mackenzie and I am 8 years old. Every year my family visits the big shopping centre to see a Santa in full costume for photos, and this year my little sister asked a question none of us could actually answer.
My first question is exactly that: who first started wearing Christmas costumes like yours in shops and malls?
My second question is geography: what river runs through Brisbane?
My third question is from school: why is Queensland called the Sunshine State?
I left you a lamington and a cold glass of lemonade, since it is far too warm here for cocoa.
Love, Mackenzie, age 8, Brisbane, Australia
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Mackenzie, a lamington and cold lemonade suits a warm Australian December perfectly, thank you. Now, to solve your sister’s question, and your other ones.
Who first started wearing Christmas costumes in shops?
The tradition of a store Santa is often traced back to a shopkeeper named James Edgar, who owned a department store in Brockton, Massachusetts, and dressed up in a Santa costume to greet shoppers back in 1890, believed to be the very first in-store Santa in America. The idea caught on quickly, since children loved being able to visit and talk with a Santa in person, and department stores across many countries soon followed suit, eventually leading to the mall Santas, complete with photo booths, that families like yours visit every year.
What river runs through Brisbane?
The Brisbane River winds its way through the city in a series of dramatic loops, with the city centre built right along its banks, and ferries carrying commuters up and down it every day.
Why is Queensland called the Sunshine State?
Queensland earned that nickname because of its famously warm, sunny climate, especially along its long, beautiful coastline, which enjoys sunshine on the vast majority of days throughout the year. That reliable sunshine has helped make it one of Australia’s most popular destinations for both tourists and residents alike.
Enjoy the mall Santa photos again this year, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
