by Eleni, age 8, asks if cactus is safe for cats, about the Aegean Sea, and the ancient Olympics
Dear Santa,
Yassou from Athens. My name is Eleni and I am 8 years old. We do not have snow very often, but the whole city lights up in December, and my grandfather always tells me stories about the old gods while we walk past the ruins on our way to see the tree in Syntagma Square. Our cat, Zeus, is named after one of them, and he loves to sit under our tree like he owns it.
My first question is: is a Christmas cactus safe for cats?
My second question is geography: what sea surrounds Greece?
My third question is from school: why did the ancient Olympic Games begin in Greece?
I left you baklava and a small cup of Greek coffee, though I am not sure if you drink coffee that strong.
Love, Eleni, age 8, Athens, Greece
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Eleni, that coffee was strong indeed, but the baklava balanced it out perfectly. Now, to keep Zeus safe and answer your other questions.
Is a Christmas cactus safe for cats?
Good news for Zeus. The Christmas cactus is considered non-toxic and safe around cats, so it will not seriously harm him even if he takes a curious nibble. The main things to watch for are not poison but simple mischief, since a cat who loves to sit under a tree might decide the cactus makes an excellent toy, and a heavy pot can tip over if batted at enough times. So the plant itself is safe, but it might be wise to give it a sturdy spot where Zeus cannot stage a takeover.
What sea surrounds Greece?
Greece is surrounded mainly by the Aegean Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the west, and the wider Mediterranean Sea to the south. With thousands of islands scattered across these waters, Greece has one of the longest coastlines of any country in Europe, which is part of why the sea has shaped so much of Greek history, myth, and daily life.
Why did the ancient Olympic Games begin in Greece?
The ancient Olympic Games began around 776 BC in Olympia, held every four years as a religious festival in honour of the god Zeus, your very own cat namesake. Athletes from across the Greek world competed in running, wrestling, and other events, and wars were even paused so competitors and spectators could travel safely. That ancient tradition inspired the modern Olympic Games we still watch today, thousands of years later.
Give Zeus a gentle pat from me, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
