by Giulia, age 8, asks what Christmas is all about, about Vesuvius, and Vatican City
Dear Santa,
Ciao from Rome. My name is Giulia and I am 8 years old. Here at Christmas we build a beautiful presepe, which is a little scene of the nativity, and my nonna makes so much food that we have to loosen our belts before we even start. My favourite is the day of the Befana, when we get treats in our stockings.
My first question is a serious one: what is Christmas all about?
My second question is geography: what is the famous volcano in Italy?
My third question is from school: is it true there is a tiny country inside Rome?
I left you panettone and a little espresso, in case you get sleepy.
Love, Giulia, age 8, Rome, Italy
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Giulia, the espresso was a stroke of genius, and the panettone is the reason I fly a little slower over Italy. Now to your excellent questions.
What is Christmas all about?
People have asked this for a very long time, and one famous cartoon even had a boy stand up and explain it. For many families, Christmas is about love, kindness, and being together, remembering to care for others and to be grateful for what we have. It is a season of giving rather than only getting, of lighting up the dark winter with warmth and generosity. Your presepe, your nonna cooking for everyone, the treats you share, all of that is Christmas being exactly what it is all about.
What is the famous volcano in Italy?
Italy has more than one, but the most famous is Mount Vesuvius, near the city of Naples. Long ago, nearly two thousand years back, it erupted and buried the Roman town of Pompeii, which explorers later uncovered almost perfectly preserved. There is also Mount Etna on the island of Sicily, one of the most active volcanoes in all of Europe. Italy sits on some very lively ground indeed.
Is there a tiny country inside Rome?
There truly is, and well spotted. Inside the city of Rome sits Vatican City, which is the smallest independent country in the whole world. It has its own stamps, its own guards in colourful uniforms, and it is the home of the Pope. You could walk across the entire country in about the time it takes to finish a slice of panettone.
Enjoy the Befana, and I shall see you on Christmas Eve.
Ho ho ho, Santa
