by Elias from Rovaniemi asks Santa if he is really there, learns his city sits right on the Arctic Circle, and hears the real story of how Rovaniemi was rebuilt after WWII in the shape of reindeer antlers, designed by architect Alvar Aalto
Dear Santa, my name is Elias and I am nine years old. I live in Rovaniemi, Finland, where my isoisä says our whole city was rebuilt after the war in a very particular shape, one you can only really see properly from way up in the sky.
Dear Elias, your isoisä is entirely right, and I have admired that particular shape myself every single Christmas Eve for a very long time.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, is there a Santa in Rovaniemi, Finland? My little cousin insists this really is where you actually live, not just where you visit.
Rovaniemi holds a very special place in my heart, Elias, and my official Arctic Circle home welcomes visitors from around the entire world. Your cousin is not wrong to feel that particular connection.
My second question is about our location. My teacher says Rovaniemi sits directly on the Arctic Circle. Is that true?
It is, Elias. Rovaniemi sits right on the Arctic Circle, a precise line marked clearly for visitors to see. Flying over that exact boundary each Christmas Eve never once loses its significance for me.
My third question is about the rebuilding. My teacher says the whole city was redesigned after the war in the shape of reindeer antlers. Is that true?
It is true, Elias. After significant wartime destruction, Rovaniemi was rebuilt following a plan by the renowned architect Alvar Aalto, its main streets forming the shape of reindeer antlers when viewed from above. I think it is a rather beautiful tribute, considering how important reindeer are to my own work.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Elias Korhonen
Rovaniemi, Finland
P.S. Do you notice the antler shape every time you fly over?
Every single year, Elias. It never once loses its charm.
