by Max, age 8 from Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, asks Santa about outdoor Christmas lights, Luxembourg’s small size, and its three official languages.
Dear Santa, my name is Max, and I am eight years old. I live in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, where my papa says our whole country is so small you could drive across it in under an hour.
Dear Max, a country you can cross in under an hour makes for one of the quickest stops on my entire route, and I always appreciate the efficiency.
Santa, I have three questions.
Can I put Christmas lights outdoors? My maman says our balcony is small but I still want to try.
Of course you can, Max, even a small balcony strung with a few lights adds real Christmas cheer. Size has never once mattered to me, only the warmth behind the effort.
My papa says Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in all of Europe. Is that true?
It is true, Max, Luxembourg is one of the smallest sovereign countries in Europe, and it is also the only grand duchy left in the entire world. Small country, mighty Christmas spirit, I always say.
My papa says people in Luxembourg speak three different languages every day. Is that true?
It is true, Max, Luxembourgish, French, and German are all spoken regularly across your country, often within the very same conversation. I make sure to practice my Merry Christmas in all three before I land.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Max Weber
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
P.S. Can my balcony lights be seen from your sleigh even though our country is so small?
Every single bulb, Max, small countries shine just as brightly as big ones.
