by Tomas, age 9, asks how many Christmas movies exist, about the Vltava, and Prague Castle
Dear Santa,
Ahoj from Prague. My name is Tomas and I am 9 years old. Our Christmas markets are famous, and every evening my family walks past the Astronomical Clock, watching the little figures move on the hour, and afterward we watch a Christmas film with hot mulled cider for the grown-ups and hot chocolate for me.
My first question is: how many Christmas movies are there altogether?
My second question is geography: what river flows through Prague?
My third question is from school: why is Prague Castle so famous?
I left you trdelnik, a sweet spiral pastry, and a mug of hot chocolate.
Love, Tomas, age 9, Prague, Czech Republic
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Tomas, trdelnik might be my new favourite pastry, warm and cinnamon dusted and gone far too quickly. Now, to your very good questions.
How many Christmas movies are there altogether?
Nobody has ever managed an exact total, because new Christmas films are made every single year, on top of decades of classics already out there. Streaming services alone release dozens of new holiday films each season, and when you add older favourites, television specials, and films from countries all around the world, the true number likely runs into the many hundreds if not thousands. It would take longer than an entire December to watch them all, even if you skipped sleeping.
What river flows through Prague?
The Vltava River flows right through the heart of Prague, curving beneath its many beautiful bridges, including the famous Charles Bridge lined with statues. It has carried boats, ice, and stories through the city for over a thousand years, and at Christmas its banks glow with the lights of the markets.
Why is Prague Castle so famous?
Prague Castle is considered the largest ancient castle complex in the world, stretching across a huge area on a hill above the city. It has been the seat of kings, emperors, and presidents for more than a thousand years, and it holds a wonderful mix of buildings, including a great Gothic cathedral, all built up over many centuries of history. Walking through it is a little like walking through the whole story of your country at once.
Enjoy the Astronomical Clock, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
