by A painting girl in Rome asks if Santa is dead, what the Mediterranean Sea is, and why we keep museums
A Letter to Santa from Rome, Italy
Dear Santa,
Ciao Santa! My name is Giulia and I am 7 years old. I live in Rome, in Italy, near old buildings that are thousands of years old. I love painting and eating gelato. A boy at school said a scary thing, so I have to ask you: is Santa Claus dead? My geography question is: what is the Mediterranean Sea? And my social studies question is: why do we keep old buildings and put things in museums? Grazie, Santa!
Love, Giulia (age 7)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, ciao Giulia! Please do not let that scary thought trouble you, because it is not true at all. I am not dead. In fact, I am bursting with life. You see, I am made of the joy of giving, and that joy can never be put out. Every time someone shares, every time a person is generous and kind, I am right there, alive and laughing. In your own Italy, a kindly old character called La Befana brings gifts too, which shows how the spirit of giving lives in many happy forms. So smile, my dear, I am here to stay.
Your geography question: the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a large, warm sea almost completely surrounded by land, with Europe to the north, Africa to the south, and Asia to the east. Your own Italy stretches right out into it like a long boot. For thousands of years, ships have crossed this sea carrying people, food, and ideas. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: why we keep old buildings and museums
We keep old buildings and fill museums because they are like time machines that let us learn from the past. When you walk past the ancient ruins of Rome or visit a museum, you are seeing how people lived long ago. Protecting these treasures means future children can learn from them too. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Paint something wonderful for me, Giulia. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
