by Louna, age 8 from Brussels, Belgium, asks Santa about Christmas quotes, Belgium’s three official languages, and Sinterklaas.
Dear Santa, my name is Louna, and I am eight years old. I live in Brussels, Belgium, where my grand-pere says our city has offices for almost all of Europe, so sometimes more flags fly on our street than anywhere else in the world.
Dear Louna, a street bursting with flags from all over Europe sounds like a wonderfully busy stop, and I always enjoy spotting how many I recognize on my way past.
Santa, I have three questions.
Do you know Christmas quotes? My maitresse put one on the board at school but I do not remember the whole thing.
I know plenty, Louna, though my favorites are usually simple ones about kindness and giving rather than fancy words. If your maitresse’s quote made you feel warm inside, that is really the only part worth remembering.
My grand-pere says Belgium has three official languages instead of just one. Is that true?
It is true, Louna, Belgium officially recognizes Dutch, French, and German, so I make sure to say Merry Christmas in all three whenever I visit. It keeps the elves on their toes with the translations.
My grand-pere says Sinterklaas visits Belgian children on December 6th, before you even arrive. Is that true?
It is true, Louna, Sinterklaas is a dear colleague of mine who brings his own gifts and treats to Belgian and Dutch children earlier in December. Two gift givers in one season simply means twice the chances to practice kindness and gratitude.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Louna Dubois
Brussels, Belgium
P.S. Can you teach me how to say Merry Christmas in all three languages?
Gladly, Louna, though I will let your teacher handle the pronunciation practice.
