by Josephine, age 8 from Providence, Rhode Island, asks Santa about the classic special’s cast, being the smallest US state, and Rhode Island’s religious freedom history.
Dear Santa, my name is Josephine, and I am eight years old. I live in Providence, Rhode Island, where my mom says our whole state is actually the smallest one in the entire country by land size.
Dear Josephine, small states are some of the easiest to fly across, your mom picked a truly cozy hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Who is in the cast of Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town? My grandma says she has watched it every year since she was a little girl.
That classic special features Fred Astaire as the narrator, with Mickey Rooney voicing Kris Kringle, alongside Keenan Wynn, Robie Lester, and Joan Gardner. Your grandma has wonderful taste, that one has charmed families for generations.
My mom says Rhode Island is the smallest state in the whole country. Is that true?
It is true, Josephine, Rhode Island covers less land than any other state, even though it packs plenty of charm into that small space. I always finish that particular stretch of my route rather quickly.
My mom says Rhode Island was founded by someone who believed strongly in letting people practice whatever religion they chose. Is that true?
It is true, Josephine, Roger Williams founded Rhode Island on the principle of religious freedom, a rather bold idea for its time. That kind of respect for everyone’s beliefs is something worth carrying with you all year round.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Josephine Carrington
Providence, Rhode Island
P.S. Will you watch that special with my grandma again this year?
I would be delighted to, Josephine, though I already know every single song by heart.
