by Elza, age 8 from Riga, Latvia, asks Santa for Christmas decoration ideas, Riga’s historic first Christmas tree, and Latvia’s independence.
Dear Santa, my name is Elza, and I am eight years old. I live in Riga, Latvia, and my vecmamina says our town square hosted one of the very first decorated Christmas trees in the whole world.
Dear Elza, your vecmamina is telling you something wonderfully true, and I have a soft spot for that particular square every single December.
Santa, I have three questions.
Do you have Christmas decoration ideas? My tevs says our tree looks the same every year and I want something new.
I have plenty of ideas, Elza. Try adding natural touches, pinecones, dried orange slices, a few ribbons in unexpected colors, small changes can make an old tree feel brand new again without starting completely over.
My teacher says Riga claims to have put up one of the first decorated Christmas trees ever, back in 1510. Is that true?
It is true, Elza, Riga’s town square is often credited with one of the earliest documented decorated Christmas trees, all the way back in 1510. I always feel a little proud flying over that square, knowing how far the tradition has traveled since then.
My vecmamina says Latvia was once part of a much bigger country before it became independent on its own. Is that true?
It is true, Elza, Latvia was part of the Soviet Union for several decades before regaining its independence in 1991. Since then, Latvia has built its own proud traditions and celebrations, a good reminder that a country, like a person, can grow into its own identity over time.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Elza Ozola
Riga, Latvia
P.S. Can our tree be decorated the old 1510 way this year, just for fun?
I will see what the elves can research, Elza, historical decorating sounds like a delightful challenge.
