by Sanne from Aalsmeer asks Santa about Christmas flowers, learns about the world’s largest flower auction near her town, and hears why the Netherlands exports so many holiday blooms
Dear Santa, my name is Sanne and I am nine years old. I live in Aalsmeer, in the Netherlands, where my opa says flowers from our town end up in vases all over the entire world, sometimes within a single day.
Dear Sanne, your opa is entirely right, and I have received a Dutch flower or two myself, remarkably quickly.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, what is a Christmas flower plant? My oma always has poinsettias on the table, but I want to know if there are others too.
Poinsettias are the classic choice, Sanne, along with amaryllis and Christmas cactus, all known for blooming brightly right when the days grow darkest. They are a lovely, colorful reminder that brightness returns even in the coldest season.
My second question is about our town. My teacher says the largest flower auction in the entire world happens right here in Aalsmeer. Is that true?
It is true, Sanne. The Royal FloraHolland auction in Aalsmeer is the largest flower auction on Earth, trading millions of flowers daily, many of which travel to homes and shops across the globe within hours. Flying low over that enormous flower market each December, color everywhere below, is a genuinely stunning sight.
My third question is, why does the Netherlands grow and send so many flowers to other countries, especially around Christmas?
The Netherlands has developed extraordinary expertise in flower growing and efficient global shipping over many generations, Sanne, allowing fresh blooms to reach tables and windowsills worldwide, even during the darkest part of winter. I think it is a lovely, quiet way your country brightens up Christmas mornings everywhere.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Sanne de Boer
Aalsmeer, Netherlands
P.S. Do you bring flowers from Aalsmeer to other stops?
Quite often, Sanne. They travel remarkably well by sleigh.
