by Aino from Saariselkä asks Santa if he is at a hotel, learns about Urho Kekkonen National Park, and hears about the real glass igloo hotels used for viewing the northern lights
Dear Santa, my name is Aino and I am nine years old. I live in Saariselkä, Finland, where my äiti says some hotels here have glass ceilings specifically so guests can watch the northern lights without ever leaving their warm bed.
Dear Aino, I have flown low over those exact glass ceilings myself, and your äiti’s description is entirely accurate.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, is Santa at a hotel? My little cousin wondered if you ever stayed anywhere other than your own workshop.
I keep my own cozy home at the workshop, Aino, though I confess a glass-ceilinged hotel like the ones near you sounds genuinely tempting for a quiet night off, someday.
My second question is about our park. My teacher says Urho Kekkonen National Park is nearby and very large. Is that true?
It is, Aino. Urho Kekkonen National Park is one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Finland, home to vast forests and fells. Flying over that quiet, snowy expanse each Christmas Eve is a genuinely peaceful part of my Finnish route.
My third question is about the glass igloo hotels. My teacher says they were specifically designed for watching the aurora. Is that true?
It is true, Aino. Glass igloo hotels near Saariselkä were designed specifically to let guests view the northern lights comfortably from indoors, a clever bit of Finnish innovation. I always enjoy flying past that particular glowing display each year.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Aino Heikkinen
Saariselkä, Finland
P.S. Will you stay in a glass igloo someday?
Perhaps, Aino, on a very rare quiet night.
