by Lukas, age 9 from Graz, Austria, asks Santa about Krampus, the city’s UNESCO old town, and being Austria’s second largest city.
Dear Santa, my name is Lukas, and I am nine years old. I live in Graz, Austria, where my opa says our old town center is protected because it is so beautifully preserved.
Dear Lukas, a town preserved with that much care deserves a very respectful flyover, your opa picked a truly charming hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Does Krampus have Santa? My oma says he shows up before you every December to scare the naughty kids a little.
Krampus is a separate figure from old Alpine folklore, Lukas, sometimes said to travel alongside my colleague Saint Nicholas on December 5th, though not directly with me. Your oma is right that plenty of children here grow up hearing both stories side by side.
My opa says Graz has an old town center recognized by an important international group. Is that true?
It is true, Lukas, Graz’s historic old town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, beautifully preserved architecture stretching back centuries. I always give it a proud, careful pass on my way to your rooftop.
My opa says Graz is the second largest city in all of Austria. Is that true?
It is true, Lukas, Graz ranks as Austria’s second largest city, full of history and charm. That kind of steady, well-preserved character is really something worth being proud of.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Lukas Steiner
Graz, Austria
P.S. Do you and Krampus ever cross paths on your routes?
Only briefly, Lukas, we mostly keep to our own separate schedules.
