by Liis from Tallinn asks Santa about a mysterious club, learns Estonia is covered in forest, and hears about Jõuluvana and Estonia’s woodland traditions
Dear Santa, my name is Liis and I am nine years old. I live in Tallinn, Estonia, where my vanaema says our Old Town looks like it was built specifically for snow to land perfectly on every rooftop.
Dear Liis, I have thought the exact same thing myself, every single winter I fly over it.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, what is the Christmas Adventurers Club? My friend mentioned it and made it sound like a very exclusive secret group.
It is less mysterious than it sounds, Liis, mostly a friendly gathering of curious children and grown-ups who enjoy learning about Christmas traditions from around the world, a bit like a club for people who love this season as much as I do. No secret password required, just genuine curiosity.
My second question is about our forests. My teacher says more than half of our entire country is covered in trees. Is that true?
It is true, Liis. Estonia is one of the most forested countries in Europe, with woodlands covering over half its land, which makes flying over it on Christmas Eve feel like gliding above one enormous, snow-dusted forest.
My third question is about Jõuluvana. My little brother says a gnome-like figure brings our gifts instead of you exactly. Is that true?
It is, and Jõuluvana is a dear colleague of mine, Liis, closely tied to Estonia’s own folklore traditions about forest spirits and winter gnomes. He and I share the same spirit of generosity, even if we occasionally dress a little differently for the job.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Liis Tamm
Tallinn, Estonia
P.S. Can I join the Christmas Adventurers Club?
You already have, Liis, the moment you asked such a good question.
