by A thoughtful girl in Kyoto asks Santa who invented him, the largest ocean, and the meaning of tradition
A Letter to Santa from Kyoto, Japan
Dear Santa,
Hello Santa, my name is Aiko and I am 7. I live in Kyoto and I love folding origami cranes and helping my grandmother in her garden. My question is: who invented Santa Claus? My geography question is: which ocean is the biggest in the world? And for social studies I want to know: what exactly is a tradition? I hope your elves are not too busy to read this. Thank you!
Love, Aiko (age 7)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, dear Aiko! Origami cranes are some of my favorite things, so you have warmed my heart already. Nobody truly invented me in the way someone invents a machine. I came to life through many storytellers over a very long time. I began with a generous man named Saint Nicholas, who gave gifts in secret. Dutch families carried his story across the sea and called him Sinterklaas. Later, in America, a cartoon artist named Thomas Nast drew me with my big belly and cheerful smile, and that is when many people started picturing me in my bright red suit. So I was not invented all at once, I was imagined and re-imagined by kind people everywhere.
Your geography question: the biggest ocean
The largest and deepest ocean in the world is the Pacific Ocean, and it touches the shores of your own Japan. It is so enormous that it covers more of the Earth than all the land put together. If my sleigh ever needed a swim, the Pacific would be the place. Discover more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: what is a tradition
A tradition is something special that a family or a whole country does again and again, year after year, and then passes down to the children who come next. In Japan, many families enjoy a special meal together at Christmas, and some even share fried chicken as part of the fun. Traditions are like invisible threads that tie grandparents, parents, and children together. Learn more at Britannica Kids.
Fold an extra crane for me, Aiko, and wave hello to your grandmother’s garden. Yours from the snowy North Pole, Santa Claus.
