by A young potter in Asheville asks why Santa is sometimes green, why the Blue Ridge looks blue, and what tourism is
A Letter to Santa from Asheville, North Carolina
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa! My name is Micah and I am 8 years old. I live in Asheville, North Carolina, a artsy mountain town surrounded by blue-tinted hills. I love hiking and making pottery. My question is: why is Santa Claus sometimes green? My geography question is: why do the Blue Ridge Mountains look blue? And my social studies question is: what is tourism, and how does it help a town? Thanks, Santa!
Love, Micah (age 8)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hello Micah! A young potter in the blue mountains asks a fascinating question. Long ago, before red became my usual color, I was often pictured wearing green. Green stood for the holly and the evergreen trees of winter, and for the hopeful promise that spring would return. An older version of me, sometimes called Father Christmas, frequently wore a flowing green robe. So green is truly part of my history! Over time, red became my most famous color, but you can still see my green side in holly, wreaths, and Christmas trees everywhere.
Your geography question: why the Blue Ridge looks blue
The Blue Ridge Mountains near your own Asheville look blue from a distance because of the trees. The forests release a fine, natural haze into the air, and when sunlight passes through it, the far-off ridges take on a soft, dreamy blue color. The more trees, the bluer the mountains appear. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: what is tourism
Tourism is when people travel to visit a place for fun, beauty, or adventure. Your own Asheville welcomes many tourists who come for its mountains, art, and charm. Tourism helps a town because visitors spend money at hotels, restaurants, and shops, which creates jobs and supports local families. A welcoming town can grow happy and prosperous through its visitors. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Make a lovely pot for me, Micah. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
