by Bailey, age 9, asks why families watch movies at Christmas, about the Pacific Ocean, and San Diego Zoo
Dear Santa,
Hey Santa, from San Diego. My name is Bailey and I am 9 years old. Every single Christmas Eve my family builds an enormous blanket fort in the living room and watches a movie together, and my dad insists on the exact same snack every single year, popcorn with extra butter, no exceptions.
My first question is: why do so many families watch a movie together as part of their Christmas traditions?
My second question is geography: what ocean does San Diego sit on?
My third question is from school: why is San Diego known for its zoo and conservation work?
I left you a fish taco, small, and a glass of horchata.
Love, Bailey, age 9, San Diego, California, USA
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Bailey, a fish taco and horchata made for a wonderfully San Diego snack, thank you very much. Now, to your family movie fort tradition, and your other questions.
Why do families watch movies together at Christmas?
Gathering around a shared film has become one of the most beloved modern Christmas traditions, growing especially popular once television and later home video made it easy for whole families to watch the same beloved stories together year after year. It offers a cosy, low-effort way to slow down together during a busy season, and rewatching the same favourites, like your dad insisting on the exact same buttery popcorn, builds a comforting sense of ritual that families look forward to every single year. Your blanket fort sounds like an especially wonderful upgrade to the tradition.
What ocean does San Diego sit on?
San Diego sits right along the Pacific Ocean, with a long, sunny coastline and a natural harbour that has made it an important naval and shipping city for well over a century.
Why is San Diego known for its zoo?
The San Diego Zoo, founded in 1916, became a pioneer in creating open, naturalistic habitats rather than traditional cages, and it has led major conservation efforts to protect endangered species from around the world. That long commitment to animal welfare and research has made it one of the most respected zoos anywhere on Earth.
Enjoy that blanket fort again this year, buttery popcorn and all, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
