by A history-loving boy in Athens asks how Santa was created, what a peninsula is, and where democracy began
A Letter to Santa from Athens, Greece
Dear Santa,
Yia sou Santa! My name is Niko and I am 9 years old. I live in Athens, in Greece, where there are ancient temples on every hill. I love history and playing basketball. My question is: how was Santa Claus created, step by step? My geography question is: what is a peninsula? And my social studies question is: where did democracy begin? Efharisto, Santa!
Love, Niko (age 9)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, yia sou Niko! A boy in Athens who loves history will enjoy this answer, because my story has a Greek beginning. Here is how I was created, step by step. First came a real and generous bishop named Saint Nicholas, who was Greek and lived about 1,700 years ago, famous for secretly giving gifts. Next, Dutch families carried his story across the sea and called him Sinterklaas. Then, in 1823, a famous poem gave me a sleigh and flying reindeer. Finally, an artist named Thomas Nast drew me as the round, jolly fellow in a red suit. Bit by bit, that is how I came to be.
Your geography question: what is a peninsula
A peninsula is a piece of land that sticks out into the sea, with water on almost every side. Your own Greece is a peninsula, surrounded by sparkling blue seas and dotted with thousands of islands. That is why boats and the sea have always been so important to Greek life. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: where democracy began
Democracy is a way of governing where the people get to make decisions together, usually by voting. And guess what, Niko: democracy began right where you live, in ancient Athens, more than 2,400 years ago. The people there gathered to discuss and vote on important matters, and the idea spread across the world. You live in the birthplace of one of the greatest ideas in history. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Shoot some hoops for me, Niko. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
