by Eleni, age 9 from Patras, Greece, asks Santa when Saint Nicholas was born, the Gulf of Patras, and his honored place in Greek culture.
Dear Santa, my name is Eleni, and I am nine years old. I live in Patras, Greece, where my yiayia says our city sits right along a beautiful gulf, with ferries coming and going every single day.
Dear Eleni, a gulf that busy makes for one of the liveliest stops on my entire Mediterranean route, your yiayia picked a truly bustling hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
When was Santa born? My yiayia says the real historical man behind you was born a very, very long time ago.
Your yiayia is right, Eleni. Saint Nicholas, the real man whose kindness inspired my story, was born around the year 270, in what is now modern day Turkey. His generous spirit traveled through the centuries to become the Santa Claus you know today.
My yiayia says Patras sits along the Gulf of Patras, an important waterway for ships. Is that true?
It is true, Eleni, the Gulf of Patras stretches along your city’s coast, busy with ferries connecting Greece to Italy and beyond. I always enjoy that lively, glimmering harbor on my way to your rooftop.
My yiayia says Saint Nicholas is especially honored here in Greece, particularly by sailors and fishermen. Is that true?
It is true, Eleni, Saint Nicholas is deeply honored throughout Greece as the patron saint of sailors, fitting for a country so connected to the sea. That kind of enduring respect, carried across so many generations, is really something beautiful to witness.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Eleni Papadopoulos
Patras, Greece
P.S. Do you think of Saint Nicholas every time you visit Greece?
Every single year, Eleni, this corner of the world holds a very special place in my heart.
