by Aino, age 8 from Turku, Finland, asks Santa about his appearance, the Aura River, and the Turku Christmas Peace tradition.
Dear Santa, my name is Aino, and I am eight years old. I live in Turku, Finland, where my mummi says our city was actually the capital of Finland a long time ago, before Helsinki took over.
Dear Aino, a former capital deserves a very respectful flyover, your mummi picked a truly historic hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
What does Santa look like? My little brother drew a picture but was not sure if he got it right.
A round, friendly belly, rosy cheeks, a big white beard, and a warm smile, Aino, that is about the whole picture. Tell your little brother he likely got it exactly right, that description rarely changes.
My mummi says Turku sits along the Aura River. Is that true?
It is true, Aino, the Aura River winds right through your city on its way to the sea. I always follow that glimmering path to help find my way to your rooftop.
My mummi says Turku officially declares the start of Christmas Peace every year, a tradition going back centuries. Is that true?
It is true, Aino, Turku’s Christmas Peace declaration is one of Finland’s oldest continuous traditions, calling for calm and goodwill during the holiday season. That kind of shared, peaceful spirit is really the heart of what Christmas means.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Aino Virtanen
Turku, Finland
P.S. Will you show my brother’s drawing to the elves?
Proudly displayed, Aino, good artwork deserves a proper audience.
