by Louis, age 9 from Antwerp, Belgium, asks Santa about Saint Nicholas and Sinterklaas, the Scheldt River, and Belgium’s December 6th tradition.
Dear Santa, my name is Louis, and I am nine years old. I live in Antwerp, Belgium, where my papa says our city has been an important center for trading diamonds for hundreds of years.
Dear Louis, a city known for sparkling diamonds deserves a very dazzling flyover, your papa picked a truly glittering hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is Saint Nicholas the same as Santa? My colleague Sinterklaas visits us on December 6th and everyone gets a little confused.
Saint Nicholas is the real historical figure whose kindness inspired both of us, Louis, and my dear colleague Sinterklaas keeps that early tradition alive with his own December 6th visit. We share the same generous spirit, just slightly different dates and details.
My papa says Antwerp sits along the Scheldt River, an important waterway for ships. Is that true?
It is true, Louis, the Scheldt River flows right through your city, a busy and important route for ships for centuries. I always enjoy that lively, glimmering waterfront on my way to your rooftop.
My papa says Sinterklaas’s visit on December 6th is actually older than a lot of our Christmas Day traditions. Is that true?
It is true, Louis, Sinterklaas’s December 6th tradition has deep, old roots, celebrated long before many modern Christmas Day customs took shape. That kind of layered history, old traditions living alongside newer ones, is really a beautiful thing to witness.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Louis Peeters
Antwerp, Belgium
P.S. Do you and Sinterklaas ever compare notes?
Every year, Louis, professional courtesy among colleagues.
