by Eleni, age 8 from Athens, Greece, asks Santa about Christmas keepsakes, the Acropolis, and Greek kallikantzaroi folklore.
Dear Santa, my name is Eleni, and I am eight years old. I live in Athens, Greece, where my yiayia says an ancient temple sits right on top of a hill in the middle of our city, thousands of years old.
Dear Eleni, a temple that old deserves a very respectful bow every single time I fly past, your yiayia picked a truly remarkable hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
What is a Christmas keepsake? My yiayia keeps a little ornament from her own childhood on our tree every year.
A Christmas keepsake is a special decoration or item kept and treasured year after year, Eleni, often passed down through a family like your yiayia’s ornament. Those small objects carry big memories, which makes them some of the most valuable things on any tree.
My teacher says the Acropolis, an ancient temple, sits right on a hill in the middle of Athens. Is that true?
It is true, Eleni, the Acropolis rises above your city, home to the ancient Parthenon temple, thousands of years old. I always slow the sleigh down for that spectacular, historic view.
My yiayia says during the twelve days of Christmas, old Greek stories tell of mischievous little goblins called kallikantzaroi who sneak around. Is that true?
It is true, Eleni, kallikantzaroi are a beloved part of old Greek Christmas folklore, playful, mischievous little creatures said to appear during the twelve days of Christmas. Old stories like that, passed down through generations, add a little extra magic and mystery to the season.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Eleni Papadopoulos
Athens, Greece
P.S. Have you ever met a kallikantzaros yourself?
Only from a respectful distance, Eleni, mischief and my delivery schedule do not mix well.
