by Liis, age 8 from Tartu, Estonia, asks Santa about sleigh decorations, the Emajogi River, and the historic University of Tartu.
Dear Santa, my name is Liis, and I am eight years old. I live in Tartu, Estonia, where my vanaema says our university is one of the oldest in all of Northern Europe.
Dear Liis, a university with that much history deserves a very respectful flyover, your vanaema picked a truly scholarly hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a Santa sleigh decoration? My naaber has one lit up on their lawn every single December.
There certainly are Santa sleigh decorations out there, Liis, some lighting up whole lawns with twinkling reindeer and all. Your naaber picked a wonderfully festive way to brighten up the neighborhood.
My vanaema says Tartu sits along the Emajogi River. Is that true?
It is true, Liis, the Emajogi River winds right through your city on its way to Lake Peipus. I always follow that glimmering path to help find my way to your rooftop.
My vanaema says Tartu’s university was founded a very long time ago, back in the 1600s. Is that true?
It is true, Liis, the University of Tartu was founded in 1632, making it one of the oldest universities in all of Northern Europe. That kind of long tradition of learning is really something worth being proud of.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Liis Tamm
Tartu, Estonia
P.S. Will you add lights to your own sleigh this year, just like my naaber’s?
Mine glows plenty already, Liis, though the compliment is appreciated.
