by Journey, age 9 from Montgomery, Alabama, asks Santa about the special’s cast, the Alabama River, and the city’s civil rights history.
Dear Santa, my name is Journey, and I am nine years old. I live in Montgomery, Alabama, where my grandma says a very brave woman once refused to give up her bus seat, right here in our own city.
Dear Journey, that kind of quiet courage always stays with me flying over your city, your grandma is teaching you something truly important.
Santa, I have three questions.
Who is in the cast of A Year Without a Santa Claus? My grandma says she watched it as a little girl and still loves it.
That classic special features Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, with Dick Shawn and George S. Irving voicing the memorable Miser brothers. Your grandma has wonderful taste, that one has charmed families for generations.
My grandma says Montgomery sits along the Alabama River. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, the Alabama River winds right through your city on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. I always follow that river’s glimmer at night to help find my way to your rooftop.
My grandma says Montgomery played a really important part in the civil rights movement. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, Montgomery was central to the civil rights movement, including the famous bus boycott that helped change the country for the better. That kind of quiet, determined courage is exactly the spirit I hope every child carries with them.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Journey Sanders
Montgomery, Alabama
P.S. Will you watch that special with my grandma again this year?
I would be delighted to, Journey, though I already know every song by heart.
