by Journey, age 8 from Thessaloniki, Greece, asks Santa his Greek name, the Thermaic Gulf, and the city’s ancient history.
Dear Santa, my name is Journey, and I am eight years old. I live in Thessaloniki, Greece, where my yiayia says our city sits right along a beautiful bay of the sea.
Dear Journey, a city along a bay that beautiful deserves a very appreciative flyover, your yiayia picked a truly scenic hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
What is Santa called in Greek? My pappous calls you Agios Vasilis instead of Santa Claus.
Your pappous is exactly right, Journey, in Greece I am often known as Agios Vasilis, or Saint Basil, a beloved gift giver of the season. Both names carry the very same warmth and kindness.
My yiayia says Thessaloniki sits along the Thermaic Gulf. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, the Thermaic Gulf stretches along your city’s edge, a beautiful part of the Aegean Sea. I always enjoy that glimmering coastline on my way to your rooftop.
My yiayia says Thessaloniki has a history stretching back thousands of years. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, Thessaloniki’s history reaches back over two thousand years, layers of culture built up over centuries. That kind of deep, storied history is really something worth being proud of.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Journey Papadopoulos
Thessaloniki, Greece
P.S. Will you tell Agios Vasilis hello for me?
Already passed along, Journey, he sends his warmest wishes right back.
