by A sledding girl in Rovaniemi asks Santa’s real name, what the Arctic Circle is, and who the Sami people are
A Letter to Santa from Rovaniemi, Finland
Dear Santa,
Hei Santa! My name is Aino and I am 7 years old. I live in Rovaniemi, in Finland, way up north where the snow is deep and the reindeer roam. I love sledding and hot berry juice. My question is: what is Santa Claus’s name, your real name? My geography question is: what is the Arctic Circle? And my social studies question is: who are the Sami people? Kiitos, Santa!
Love, Aino (age 7)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hei Aino! A girl from Rovaniemi is practically my neighbor, so a special hello to you. You asked for my real name, and that is a fun one, because I have so many. My oldest name is Saint Nicholas. But around the world, children call me by different names. In England I am Father Christmas, in France I am Pere Noel, in some places I am Kris Kringle, in the Netherlands I am Sinterklaas, and right there in your own Finland, many people call me Joulupukki. So you may take your pick, I answer to them all.
Your geography question: the Arctic Circle
The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line near the top of the Earth that marks where the far north begins. Your own Rovaniemi sits right on it. In places above this line, the sun can stay up all night in summer and stay hidden for long stretches in winter. It is a magical, snowy part of the world. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: the Sami people
The Sami are the native people of the far north of Finland, Sweden, Norway, and part of Russia. For a very long time, many Sami have herded reindeer and lived close to the land, with their own language and beautiful traditions. They are a proud and important part of the north, and the world is richer for their culture. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Go for a good sled ride, Aino. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
