by Emilija, age 9 from Kaunas, Lithuania, asks Santa if he’s creepy, the confluence of two rivers, and Kaunas’s history as temporary capital.
Dear Santa, my name is Emilija, and I am nine years old. I live in Kaunas, Lithuania, where my senelis says our city used to serve as the country’s capital for a little while, a long time ago.
Dear Emilija, a city that once carried that much responsibility deserves a very respectful flyover, your senelis picked a truly historic hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is Santa creepy? My friend at school said something like that and it made me feel a little strange.
Not creepy at all, Emilija, just a bit unusual looking perhaps, an old man in a red suit who somehow visits every home in one single night. I promise the strangeness is all in good fun, wrapped around a whole lot of warmth and kindness.
My senelis says Kaunas sits where two rivers meet, the Nemunas and the Neris. Is that true?
It is true, Emilija, the Nemunas and Neris rivers join right at your city, an important meeting point for centuries. I always follow that watery junction to help find my way to your rooftop.
My senelis says Kaunas served as Lithuania’s temporary capital for a while, during a difficult period in history. Is that true?
It is true, Emilija, Kaunas served as the temporary capital during a challenging chapter of Lithuania’s history, the city stepping up when it was needed most. That kind of quiet resilience is really something worth admiring.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Emilija Kazlauskaite
Kaunas, Lithuania
P.S. Will you tell my friend you are not creepy at all?
Already told, Emilija, right here in writing.
