by Alva, age 9 from Gothenburg, Sweden, asks Santa for a joke, the city’s busy harbor, and the Swedish julbord feast.
Dear Santa, my name is Alva, and I am nine years old. I live in Gothenburg, Sweden, where my farmor says our harbor is one of the busiest in all of Scandinavia.
Dear Alva, a harbor that busy makes for one of the liveliest landings on my entire Scandinavian route, your farmor picked a truly bustling hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Are there jokes about Santa? My cousin told me one about reindeer this year and I want to hear one from you too.
Here is one for you, Alva: why does Rudolph never get bad grades? Because he is always leading the class. My reindeer humor may need some practice, but they always laugh politely.
My farmor says Gothenburg is the second largest city in all of Sweden. Is that true?
It is true, Alva, Gothenburg ranks as Sweden’s second largest city, an important port along the country’s west coast. I always enjoy that busy, glimmering harbor on my way to your rooftop.
My farmor says Swedish families gather for a big Christmas feast called julbord, with lots of different dishes. Is that true?
It is true, Alva, julbord brings families together around a table loaded with traditional dishes, a wonderfully generous Christmas tradition. That kind of shared feast, everyone gathered around the same table, is really the heart of the whole season.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Alva Lindqvist
Gothenburg, Sweden
P.S. Will you tell my cousin your reindeer joke too?
Already planned, Alva, good jokes deserve to travel.
