by Sindre, age 9, asks Julenissen are you more like an elf than a big human Santa?, about the Oslofjord, and the Nobel Peace Prize
Dear Julenissen,
My name is Sindre and I am 9 years old. I live in Oslo, Norway, where my family goes cross-country skiing right in the forest at the edge of the city, even before school some mornings.
First, are you more like an elf than a big human Santa?
Second, a geography question: what body of water is Oslo built along?
Third, a school question about my country: why is Norway famous for handing out the Nobel Peace Prize?
I left you rice porridge with cinnamon and sugar, set aside just for you.
Love, Sindre, age 9, Oslo, Norway, Oslo, Norway
From the Desk of Julenissen
Dear Sindre, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Are you more like an elf than a big human Santa?
In the oldest Norwegian stories, yes, I began as a small farm gnome rather than a large jolly man, though I have grown a bit taller over time.
What body of water is Oslo built along?
Oslo sits at the head of the Oslofjord, a long, narrow inlet stretching down to the sea, and flying in low over the water with the city lights spread along the shore is one of my favorite parts of the whole Norwegian route.
Why is Norway famous for handing out the Nobel Peace Prize?
Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor who created the Nobel Prizes, specifically chose Norway to award the Peace Prize each year, even though the other Nobel Prizes are awarded in Sweden. Every December, a committee in Oslo selects someone who has done outstanding work for peace, making Norway an important symbol of peacemaking around the world.
God jul, Sindre.
Ho ho ho, Julenissen
