by Ioana, age 9 from Bucharest, Romania, asks Santa about Christmas market river cruises, the Danube River, and Romania’s colindat caroling tradition.
Dear Santa, my name is Ioana, and I am nine years old. I live in Bucharest, Romania, where my bunica says our old buildings are sometimes called Little Paris because they look so much like the real one.
Dear Ioana, Little Paris is a lovely nickname, and I always enjoy spotting that elegant old architecture on my way to your rooftop.
Santa, I have three questions.
Are there Christmas market river cruises? My tata wants to take a boat trip along the Danube next year to visit different Christmas markets.
There certainly are, Ioana, river cruises along the Danube stop at Christmas markets in several countries, twinkling lights drifting past as the boat glides along. Your tata’s plan sounds like a truly magical way to see the season.
My teacher says the Danube River forms a big part of Romania’s southern border. Is that true?
It is true, Ioana, the Danube flows along a large stretch of Romania’s border before reaching the Black Sea. I always follow its winding path on my way through your beautiful country.
My bunica says a tradition called colindat, group caroling, is so important here that it was specially recognized by an international organization. Is that true?
It is true, Ioana, colindat caroling was recognized by UNESCO as an important piece of cultural heritage, groups of singers going door to door sharing songs and blessings. That kind of tradition, kept alive by neighbors singing together, is really one of my favorite sounds of the whole season.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Ioana Dumitrescu
Bucharest, Romania
P.S. Can you wave at my tata’s boat if you happen to fly past it?
I will keep a careful eye out, Ioana, river cruises deserve a proper Santa sighting.
