by Giulia, age 8 from San Marino, asks Santa about the Christmas pickle tradition, San Marino’s ancient founding, and its enclave within Italy.
Dear Santa, my name is Giulia, and I am eight years old. I live in San Marino, where my nonna says our whole tiny country is the oldest one still standing anywhere in the world, older than almost every other nation on the map.
Dear Giulia, a country that old deserves a very respectful bow on every single visit, your nonna picked a truly remarkable hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
What is a Christmas pickle? My cousin in America told me about hiding one in the tree but I have never tried it myself.
A Christmas pickle is a small pickle-shaped ornament hidden deep in the tree branches, Giulia, and whichever child finds it first on Christmas morning gets a little extra luck or a special small gift. It started as a playful family tradition and has become a fun little hunt in many homes.
My nonna says San Marino claims to be the oldest country still around today, founded a very long time ago. Is that true?
It is true, Giulia, San Marino traces its founding all the way back to the year 301, making it one of the oldest continuously existing republics in the entire world. I always take an extra moment to appreciate that kind of remarkable staying power.
My nonna says San Marino is completely surrounded by Italy, with no other neighbors at all. Is that true?
It is true, Giulia, San Marino sits entirely within Italy’s borders, a tiny independent country tucked inside a much larger one. Being small has never once stopped a place from having its own proud, distinct identity.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Giulia Bernardi
San Marino
P.S. Should I hide a pickle in our tree this year to try the tradition myself?
I say try it, Giulia, every good tradition has to start somewhere.
