by A girl in Krakow asks if Santa is in the Bible, what a salt mine is, and why people wear national costumes
A Letter to Santa from Krakow, Poland
Dear Santa,
Czesc Santa! My name is Kasia and I am 8 years old. I live in Krakow, in Poland, a city full of old towers and cobblestone streets. I love ice skating and listening to my grandfather’s stories. My question is: is Santa Claus in the Bible? My geography question is: what is a salt mine? And my social studies question is: what is a national costume, and why do people wear them? Dziekuje, Santa!
Love, Kasia (age 8)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, czesc Kasia! A girl who treasures her grandfather’s stories will understand my answer well. The honest truth is that the name Santa Claus is not found in the Bible. However, I grew out of the story of a real man named Saint Nicholas, who was a Christian bishop long ago and was loved for his great kindness and generosity. So while I myself am a later legend and not a figure from the Bible, my story is tied to a real person of faith whose good deeds inspired people for many centuries. It is a story passed down, much like your grandfather’s.
Your geography question: what is a salt mine
A salt mine is a place deep underground where people dig out salt from the rock. Right near your own Krakow is the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine, which is so old and so amazing that it even has carved chapels and statues made entirely of salt. People travel from all over the world to see it. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: national costumes
A national costume is a traditional style of clothing that a country wears with pride, especially at festivals and celebrations. Your own Poland has beautiful folk costumes with bright embroidery and flowing skirts. People wear them to honor their heritage and to keep the colorful customs of their grandparents alive. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Skate a graceful loop for me, Kasia. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
