by Noah, age 8 from Bern, Switzerland, asks Santa about handprint crafts, the Aare River, and Bern’s preserved old town.
Dear Santa, my name is Noah, and I am eight years old. I live in Bern, Switzerland, where my grossvater says our old town looks almost exactly the same as it did hundreds of years ago.
Dear Noah, a town preserved with that much care deserves a very respectful flyover, your grossvater picked a truly timeless hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Can I make a Santa handprint? My teacher wants us to turn our hands into little Santa faces for an art project.
A handprint Santa sounds like a wonderfully creative project, Noah, palm for the face, fingers curled just right for the beard. I would be honored to be turned into classroom art.
My grossvater says Bern sits along the Aare River. Is that true?
It is true, Noah, the Aare River loops dramatically around your city, almost surrounding it entirely. I always follow that glimmering, curving path to help find my way to your rooftop.
My grossvater says Bern’s old town is protected because it has stayed so well preserved for so long. Is that true?
It is true, Noah, Bern’s old town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its medieval streets and buildings carefully preserved. That kind of respect for history, keeping the past alive for new generations, is really something worth admiring.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Noah Zimmermann
Bern, Switzerland
P.S. Will you display my handprint at the workshop this year?
Proudly displayed, Noah, good artwork deserves a proper spot.
