by Ida, age 8 from Copenhagen, Denmark, asks Santa about Christmas gnomes, the Oresund Bridge, and Denmark’s happiness rankings.
Dear Santa, my name is Ida, and I am eight years old. I live in Copenhagen, Denmark, where my farmor says our country is connected to Sweden by a very long bridge over the sea.
Dear Ida, that bridge has saved my reindeer a good bit of extra flying over the years, your farmor picked a wonderfully well-connected place to live.
Santa, I have three questions.
Do you like Christmas gnomes? My farmor puts little nisse figures all around the house every December.
I love them, Ida, the nisser are mischievous little friends of mine who help keep an eye on Danish households through December. Your farmor’s collection sounds like a proper welcoming committee.
My teacher says Denmark is connected to Sweden by the Oresund Bridge. Is that true?
It is true, Ida, the Oresund Bridge stretches across the water connecting Copenhagen to Sweden, a clever bit of engineering. I always follow its lights on my way between the two countries.
My farmor says Denmark is often ranked as one of the happiest countries in the whole world. Is that true?
It is true, Ida, Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest nations on Earth, often connected to strong communities, trust between neighbors, and a good balance between work and rest. That kind of everyday contentment is a wonderful thing to carry into the Christmas season, and honestly, all year round.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Ida Andersen
Copenhagen, Denmark
P.S. Do the nisse ever cause trouble for your elves?
Occasionally, Ida, mostly harmless mischief, though the elves keep a close watch just in case.
