by Karen, age 9, asks how long Christmas break is worldwide, about Mount Lebanon, and the Cedars of Lebanon
Dear Santa,
Marhaba from Beirut. My name is Karen and I am 9 years old. My school lets out for a nice long stretch every December, and my cousins in other countries always compare how long their own breaks are, which usually turns into quite the friendly argument at our family video calls.
My first question is: how long is Christmas break for school children around the world?
My second question is geography: what mountain range runs along Lebanon, famous for its ancient trees?
My third question is from school: why are the Cedars of Lebanon such an important national symbol?
I left you maamoul and a small cup of Lebanese coffee.
Love, Karen, age 9, Beirut, Lebanon
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Karen, maamoul and coffee made a delightful, fragrant stop, thank you. Now, to settle that cousin video-call debate, and your other questions.
How long is Christmas break for school children?
It really does vary quite a bit by country and even by individual school. Many places take around two weeks, often stretching from just before Christmas until just after New Year, while some countries have slightly shorter breaks of about ten days, and others extend theirs closer to three weeks when combined with other local holidays. So neither you nor your cousins are wrong, you are simply comparing different school systems, each with their own particular calendar.
What mountain range runs along Lebanon?
The Mount Lebanon range runs along much of the country, and it is famous for its ancient cedar forests, some of the oldest trees anywhere in the world, with certain groves believed to be over a thousand years old.
Why are the Cedars of Lebanon such an important symbol?
The cedar tree has represented Lebanon for thousands of years, mentioned many times in ancient texts including the Bible, prized long ago for its strong, fragrant wood used in building temples and ships. Today the cedar appears right at the centre of Lebanon’s national flag, a proud and enduring symbol of the country’s deep history.
Enjoy the rest of your break, however long it turns out to be, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
