by Amelie from Ghent asks Santa about a holiday movie, learns about the Leie and Scheldt rivers meeting in her city, and hears about Ghent’s medieval Gravensteen castle
Dear Santa, my name is Amelie and I am nine years old. I live in Ghent, Belgium, where my oma says a real medieval castle still stands right in the middle of our city, moat and all.
Dear Amelie, your oma is entirely right, and I have flown a careful, admiring loop around that castle for a very long time myself.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, is there a movie called A Year Without a Santa Claus? My little brother watches holiday specials constantly, and I wanted to check if that one was real.
There is indeed a beloved holiday special with that title, Amelie, though I try to stay neutral about discussing its specific story too much myself. Your brother has excellent taste in festive television, regardless.
My second question is about our rivers. My teacher says two rivers meet right in the middle of Ghent. Is that true?
It is, Amelie. The Leie and Scheldt rivers meet in Ghent, a confluence that shaped the city’s history as an important medieval trading center. Flying over that meeting point each Christmas Eve, castle lights glowing nearby, is a genuinely beautiful sight.
My third question is about Gravensteen. My teacher says the castle has stood since medieval times. Is that true?
It is true, Amelie. Gravensteen, meaning Castle of the Counts, was built in the 1100s and still stands remarkably well preserved in the heart of Ghent today. Flying past its stone walls each Christmas Eve always fills me with genuine, quiet admiration.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Amelie Van Damme
Ghent, Belgium
P.S. Have you ever landed on the castle walls?
Only very carefully, Amelie. Old stone deserves gentle treatment.
