by Paul, age 9, asks the Weihnachtsmann are you different from Saint Nicholas, who comes December 6th?, about the Spree River, and why Berlin was divided by a wall
Dear Weihnachtsmann,
My name is Paul and I am 9 years old. I live in Berlin, Germany, where my opa still points out a line of bricks in the street that used to be the Berlin Wall, right on our way to the Christmas market.
First, are you different from Saint Nicholas, who comes December 6th?
Second, a geography question: what river runs through Berlin?
Third, a school question about my country: why was Berlin divided by a wall for so many years?
I left you stollen, a fruit and marzipan bread, and a cup of warm apple punch.
Love, Paul, age 9, Berlin, Germany, Berlin, Germany
From the Desk of Weihnachtsmann
Dear Paul, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Are you different from Saint Nicholas, who comes December 6th?
We are two separate figures here in Germany, Saint Nicholas keeping his own December 6th tradition, distinct from my Christmas Eve visit.
What river runs through Berlin?
The Spree River winds through the middle of Berlin, past many of its most historic landmarks, and its bridges strung with lights make for a lovely, glowing path to follow as the sleigh comes into the city.
Why was Berlin divided by a wall for so many years?
After the Second World War, Germany was divided between different governing powers, and in 1961 a wall was built right through the middle of Berlin, splitting the city into East and West for nearly thirty years as a powerful symbol of the wider Cold War. The wall finally came down in 1989, reuniting the city.
Frohe Weihnachten, Paul.
Ho ho ho, Weihnachtsmann
