by Sanne, age 8 from Rotterdam, Netherlands, asks Santa about Santa costumes, Rotterdam’s busy port, and its post-war rebuilding.
Dear Santa, my name is Sanne, and I am eight years old. I live in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where my opa says our city had to be almost completely rebuilt after being badly damaged a long time ago.
Dear Sanne, a city rebuilt with that much care and modern style always impresses me flying past, your opa picked a truly resilient hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Can I get a Santa costume? My little brother wants to dress up like you this year instead of an elf.
Of course, Sanne, plenty of Santa costumes exist for eager little helpers like your brother. A red suit and a warm smile go a long way toward spreading holiday cheer, even for the smallest Santas.
My opa says Rotterdam has one of the busiest ports in all of Europe. Is that true?
It is true, Sanne, Rotterdam’s harbor is one of the largest and busiest in the entire continent, ships arriving from all over the world. I always enjoy that lively, glowing waterfront on my way to your rooftop.
My opa says our city was rebuilt with lots of modern architecture after being destroyed during a war. Is that true?
It is true, Sanne, much of Rotterdam was rebuilt with bold, modern designs after heavy damage during the Second World War. That kind of hopeful rebuilding, choosing to create something new and beautiful, is really worth admiring.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Sanne de Vries
Rotterdam, Netherlands
P.S. Will my brother’s costume fool the reindeer into thinking he is really you?
The reindeer are surprisingly hard to fool, Sanne, though they will play along politely.
