by Andrei, age 9, asks how many Christmas Vacation movies exist, about the Carpathians, and the real Saint Nicholas
Dear Santa,
Buna from Bucharest. My name is Andrei and I am 9 years old. My dad watches the same old American film every single year, laughing so hard at the lights scene that he has to pause it, and he has promised for years to show me the sequel, though he can never quite find it anywhere.
My first question is: how many Christmas Vacation movies are there?
My second question is geography: what mountain range runs through Romania?
My third question is from school: who was the real Saint Nicholas, and where was he from?
I left you cozonac, a sweet bread with walnuts, and a mug of hot tea with honey.
Love, Andrei, age 9, Bucharest, Romania
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Andrei, cozonac with walnuts is a rich, wonderful treat, and the honeyed tea warmed me right through. Now, to solve your dad’s mystery and answer your other questions.
How many Christmas Vacation movies are there?
The beloved original is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, released in 1989, and it is the one everyone remembers for the lights scene your dad loves so much. There is a lesser known follow up called Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure, made for television in 2003, which does not feature the original main actors and is not nearly as well loved or widely available, which is likely why your dad struggles to find it. So the honest count is two films carrying the name, but really only one that has become a true holiday classic.
What mountain range runs through Romania?
The Carpathian Mountains curve through the middle of Romania in a great arc, home to dense forests, castles, and, according to local legend, more than a few tales of mysterious creatures in the night. They are also one of the last strongholds in Europe for wild brown bears and wolves.
Who was the real Saint Nicholas?
The real Saint Nicholas was a Christian bishop who lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries in the town of Myra, located in what is now Turkey. He became famous for his extraordinary generosity, secretly giving gifts to those in need, including a well known story of him providing dowries for three poor sisters so they would not be sold into servitude. Over many centuries, his legend travelled and transformed across different cultures, eventually blending together into the very figure writing you this letter tonight.
Tell your dad I hope he finds that sequel, though the original remains the true classic, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
