by Journey, age 8 from Wroclaw, Poland, asks Santa about Swiety Mikolaj, the Oder river, and the city’s hidden dwarf statues.
Dear Santa, my name is Journey, and I am eight years old. I live in Wroclaw, Poland, where my babcia says our city has more little bronze dwarf statues hidden around town than anyone can count.
Dear Journey, a city hiding that many little statues deserves a very careful, curious flyover, your babcia picked a truly whimsical hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
What is Santa called in Polish? My dziadek calls you Swiety Mikolaj instead of Santa Claus.
Your dziadek is exactly right, Journey, in Poland I am known as Swiety Mikolaj, or Saint Nicholas, a name tied closely to my earliest roots. Both names carry the very same warmth and kindness.
My babcia says Wroclaw sits along the Oder river. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, the Oder river flows right through your city, an important part of its history and landscape. I always follow that glimmering path to help find my way to your rooftop.
My babcia says Wroclaw has over a hundred little bronze dwarf statues hidden around the city. Is that true?
It is true, Journey, those playful little statues are tucked into corners and doorways all across your city. That kind of whimsical, shared delight is really something worth celebrating, Christmas and every day after.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Journey Nowak
Wroclaw, Poland
P.S. Will you say hello to Swiety Mikolaj for me?
Already passed along, Journey, he sends his warmest wishes right back.
