by Guus from Maastricht asks Santa who made him up, learns about the Meuse River and Maastricht’s status as the southernmost Dutch city, and hears about the Maastricht Treaty that helped found the European Union
Dear Santa, my name is Guus and I am nine years old. I live in Maastricht, in the Netherlands, where my opa says an important agreement was signed right here that helped bring many European countries closer together.
Dear Guus, your opa is entirely right, and I have real respect for that particular piece of history myself.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, who made up Santa? My teacher said the idea grew slowly over many years, but I wanted the full story.
My story began with a real, generous bishop named Saint Nicholas many centuries ago, Guus, and over time, different cultures blended his story with their own winter traditions, gradually shaping the Santa many children know today. It was truly built slowly, by many hands, over a very long time.
My second question is about our river. My teacher says the Meuse River flows right through Maastricht. Is that true?
It is, Guus. The Meuse River winds through Maastricht, the southernmost city in the Netherlands, shaping its history and layout for centuries. Flying along its path each Christmas Eve, historic squares glowing nearby, is a genuinely lovely part of my Dutch route.
My third question is about the treaty. My teacher says an important agreement was signed here that helped create the European Union. Is that true?
It is true, Guus. The Maastricht Treaty, signed in your own city in 1992, was a significant step in forming the European Union, bringing many European countries into closer cooperation. I think it is a wonderful example of countries choosing to work together thoughtfully rather than apart.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Guus Peeters
Maastricht, Netherlands
P.S. Does the Christmas market on the Vrijthof celebrate that history too?
In its own quiet way, Guus. Every gathering builds on what came before.
