by Carmen, age 8 from Madrid, Spain, asks Santa about his marriage to Mrs. Claus, being Europe’s highest capital, and Madrid’s grape-eating New Year tradition.
Dear Santa, my name is Carmen, and I am eight years old. I live in Madrid, Spain, where my abuelo says our city sits higher above sea level than any other capital in all of Europe.
Dear Carmen, that high altitude has always given my sleigh a bit of a head start, your abuelo picked a truly elevated hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Are Mrs. Claus and Santa Claus together? My little sister wanted to know if you have a family too.
We certainly are, Carmen, Mrs. Claus and I have been a happy team for longer than I can properly count. She keeps the workshop running smoothly while I handle the deliveries, and honestly, she deserves most of the credit.
My abuelo says Madrid is the highest capital city in all of Europe. Is that true?
It is true, Carmen, Madrid sits higher above sea level than any other capital on the entire continent. I always give the sleigh a little extra lift before that particular landing.
My abuelo says on New Year’s Eve, people in Madrid eat twelve grapes at midnight, one for each chime of the clock. Is that true?
It is true, Carmen, that grape-eating tradition fills the Puerta del Sol square with crowds every New Year’s Eve, everyone racing to finish twelve grapes right on time for good luck. Traditions that specific and that joyful are exactly what make a country’s holidays feel like its own.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Carmen Ruiz
Madrid, Spain
P.S. Does Mrs. Claus eat grapes with you on New Year’s Eve too?
Every single year, Carmen, though she is considerably faster at it than I am.
