by Mia, age 8, asks the Weihnachtsmann are you different from the German Christkind?, about the Spree River, and why Berlin was divided by a wall
Dear Weihnachtsmann,
My name is Mia and I am 8 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 the German Christkind?
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 lebkuchen and hot cocoa.
Love, Mia, age 8, Berlin, Germany, Berlin, Germany
From the Desk of Weihnachtsmann
Dear Mia, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Are you different from the German Christkind?
We are indeed two separate figures, and different families, often depending on the region, picture one or the other bringing the gifts. We share the country happily and have never once argued about the arrangement.
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, Mia.
Ho ho ho, Weihnachtsmann
