by Otto from Helsinki asks Santa about Christmas tree storage, learns about Finland’s thousands of lakes, and hears about the tradition of visiting the sauna on Christmas Eve
Dear Santa, my name is Otto and I am nine years old. I live in Helsinki, Finland, where my isoisä says we have so many lakes that some people joke you could never actually finish counting them all in one lifetime.
Dear Otto, I have made a genuine attempt at counting them from the sleigh, and your isoisä’s joke is not far from the truth at all.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, can I get Christmas tree storage? Our artificial tree takes up half the closet the rest of the year and my äiti wants a better system.
A proper storage bag or box would help enormously, Otto, and your äiti’s frustration is entirely understandable. A tree deserves a tidy rest between its big December performances.
My second question is about our lakes. My teacher says Finland has close to two hundred thousand lakes. Is that really true?
It is true, Otto. Finland is home to an enormous number of lakes, often called the Land of a Thousand Lakes, though the real number is far higher than that name suggests. Flying over that frozen, glittering landscape each Christmas Eve is one of the most peaceful sights on my entire route.
My third question is about the sauna. My whole family goes to the sauna together on Christmas Eve before dinner even starts. Why is that such an important part of our celebration?
Visiting the sauna on Christmas Eve is one of Finland’s most treasured traditions, Otto, a time for the whole family to relax, reflect, and prepare quietly together before the evening’s festivities begin. I think there is something wise about pausing calmly before a big celebration, rather than rushing straight into it.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Otto Virtanen
Helsinki, Finland
P.S. Do you ever visit the sauna yourself?
Only briefly, Otto. The beard requires very careful management around that much steam.
