by Maja from Ljubljana asks Santa about a scary movie, learns about Lake Bled and the Julian Alps, and hears about Slovenia’s gentle Boicek tradition instead
Dear Santa, my name is Maja and I am nine years old. I live in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where my babica says our castle up on the hill looks like it belongs in a proper fairy tale, snow or no snow.
Dear Maja, I have admired that exact castle myself many times, and your babica’s fairy tale comparison feels entirely fair.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, have you seen Christmas Bloody Christmas? My older cousin dared me to watch it but I think it might be a bit too scary for me right now.
That sounds like exactly the right instinct, Maja. Some movies are better saved for when you are a little older, and there is no rush at all. Let me tell you instead about Boicek, our gentler Slovenian gift-bringer, who is far less frightening company.
My second question is about our lake. My teacher says a tiny island with a church sits right in the middle of a beautiful lake near us. Is Lake Bled really like that?
It is, Maja. Lake Bled, nestled in the Julian Alps, has a small island with a historic church at its center, reachable only by traditional wooden boats. Flying over that peaceful, glassy water each Christmas Eve, mountains rising around it, is one of the loveliest sights on my whole route.
My third question is about Boicek. My little brother says he is basically you, but I want to know for certain.
Boicek is indeed closely connected to me, Maja, a warm and generous gift-bringer honored across Slovenia at Christmas. Your brother is not wrong to notice the resemblance.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Maja Novak
Ljubljana, Slovenia
P.S. Thank you for not being scary, unlike that movie.
Very happily, Maja. Frightening was never really my style.
