by Freya, age 8 from Aarhus, Denmark, asks Santa how to spell his name, Aarhus’s location on Jutland, and the Danish concept of hygge.
Dear Santa, my name is Freya, and I am eight years old. I live in Aarhus, Denmark, where my mormor says our city is the second biggest in the whole country, right on the edge of the sea.
Dear Freya, a seaside city that size makes for one of the loveliest stops on my entire Scandinavian route, your mormor picked a truly charming hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
How do you spell Santa Claus? My little brother keeps getting the letters mixed up on his list.
It is spelled S-A-N-T-A, C-L-A-U-S, Freya, though I promise even a few mixed up letters would never stop your brother’s letter from reaching me.
My mormor says Aarhus sits on a peninsula called Jutland. Is that true?
It is true, Freya, Aarhus sits on the Jutland peninsula, surrounded by water on much of its coastline. I always enjoy that breezy, seaside approach on my way to your rooftop.
My mormor says Danes have a special word, hygge, for feeling warm and cozy with people you love. Is that true?
It is true, Freya, hygge describes that special feeling of coziness and togetherness, candles glowing and loved ones close by. I think hygge might just be my very favorite Danish word, it captures exactly what Christmas is all about.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Freya Madsen
Aarhus, Denmark
P.S. Will you help my brother spell it right next year too?
Every single year, Freya, spelling practice never really ends.
