by A carol-singing girl in Bucharest asks how long until Santa comes, what the Danube is, and the tradition of caroling
A Letter to Santa from Bucharest, Romania
Dear Santa,
Buna Santa! My name is Ana and I am 7 years old. I live in Bucharest, in Romania, a land of forests, mountains, and old painted churches. I love ice skating and singing carols with my family. My question is: how long until Santa Claus comes? I cannot wait! My geography question is: what is the Danube River? And my social studies question is: what is the tradition of caroling door to door? Multumesc, Santa!
Love, Ana (age 7)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, buna Ana! A carol-singing girl after my own heart. You asked how long until I come, and the honest answer depends on what day you read this letter. But here is a fun little trick I use myself: count the number of sleeps between today and Christmas Eve, and that is exactly how long until I arrive. Up at the North Pole, the elves and I count down too, crossing off each day on a giant calendar. The waiting, with all its excitement, is one of the very best parts. So count your sleeps, and stay merry.
Your geography question: the Danube River
The Danube is one of the great rivers of Europe, the second longest of them all. It flows through many countries before reaching your own Romania, where it spreads into a wonderful watery wilderness called the Danube Delta before emptying into the Black Sea. The delta is full of birds, fish, and reeds. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: caroling door to door
Caroling door to door is a beloved tradition where groups of singers travel from house to house, singing cheerful holiday songs. Your own Romania has a rich caroling tradition called colinde, where children and grown-ups sing old songs and are often thanked with sweets and treats. It is a warm way for neighbors to share joy at Christmas. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Sing a carol for me, Ana. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
