by A comic-drawing girl in Brussels asks the cost of Santa photos, what the Low Countries are, and what the European Union is
A Letter to Santa from Brussels, Belgium
Dear Santa,
Hallo Santa! My name is Lize and I am 8 years old. I live in Brussels, in Belgium, a city famous for waffles, chocolate, and comic-book heroes painted on walls. I love drawing comics and ice skating. My question is: how much are Santa Claus pictures? I want my photo taken with you at the Christmas market! My geography question is: what are the Low Countries? And my social studies question is: what is the European Union, and why do countries join together? Dank u, Santa!
Love, Lize (age 8)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hallo Lize! A comic artist who wants a photo with me is most welcome. Now, the photo people at shops and Christmas markets usually charge a small fee for a printed picture, and the price changes from place to place, sometimes a little and sometimes a bit more. So it is best to ask your parents to check before you go. But here is a secret worth more than any photo: a smile and a warm hug from me are always, completely free. The picture makes a lovely keepsake, but the joy never costs a single coin.
Your geography question: the Low Countries
The Low Countries are a group of nations, including your own Belgium along with the Netherlands and Luxembourg, named because the land is so low and flat, with much of it near or even below sea level. Their flat ground makes them perfect for bicycles, canals, and, of course, lovely flat spaces to skate. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: the European Union
The European Union is a friendly partnership of many European countries that choose to work together, trade with one another, and cooperate on big decisions. Your own Brussels is home to its main offices, which is why it is sometimes called the capital of Europe. Countries join together because, like friends, they can do more good as a team than alone. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Draw a comic hero for me, Lize. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
