by Theresa, age 9, asks Krampus do you punish naughty children instead of giving them presents?, about Salzburg’s mountains, and Mozart’s birthplace
Dear Krampus,
My name is Theresa and I am 9 years old. I live in Salzburg, Austria, and every December our whole square fills up with a noisy, clattering parade before Saint Nicholas ever arrives, and I always hold my papa’s hand a little tighter that night.
First, do you punish naughty children instead of giving them presents?
Second, a geography question: what mountains surround Salzburg?
Third, a school question about my country: why is Salzburg famous as the birthplace of Mozart?
I left you a slice of Salzburger Nockerl and tea.
Love, Theresa, age 9, Salzburg, Austria, Salzburg, Austria
From the Desk of Krampus
Dear Theresa, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you punish naughty children instead of giving them presents?
My reputation is a good deal louder than my actual behavior. I rattle my chains and stomp about mostly to remind children that kindness matters, but the frightening stories have grown taller than the truth over the centuries.
What mountains surround Salzburg?
Salzburg sits at the edge of the Alps, with the forested peaks of the Salzkammergut region rising up close around the city, making for a spectacular, snow-covered skyline as the sleigh passes over.
Why is Salzburg famous as the birthplace of Mozart?
The composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg in 1756, growing into one of the most celebrated musicians in history, writing symphonies, operas, and concertos still performed around the world today. The city has honored his memory ever since, and Salzburg’s musical legacy remains one of its proudest claims.
Frohe Weihnachten, Theresa, and I promise to keep the chain-rattling to a respectful volume this year.
Ho ho ho, Krampus
