by A young sailor in Zagreb asks who sang Santa’s song, what the Adriatic Sea is, and whether the necktie came from Croatia
A Letter to Santa from Zagreb, Croatia
Dear Santa,
Bok Santa! My name is Luka and I am 8 years old. I live in Zagreb, in Croatia, a country with a long, sparkling coastline and hundreds of islands. I love football and sailing with my grandfather. My question is: who sang Santa Claus Is Comin to Town? My geography question is: what is the Adriatic Sea? And my social studies question is: is it true the necktie may have come from Croatia? Hvala, Santa!
Love, Luka (age 8)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, bok Luka! A young sailor asks a fine question about my favorite song. It was first made famous on the radio way back in 1934 by a popular American entertainer named Eddie Cantor, and audiences adored it from the very first note. Since then, hundreds and hundreds of singers all around the world have recorded their own versions, in many styles and many languages. So there is no single singer who owns it. But it was Eddie Cantor who first carried that cheerful tune to fame.
Your geography question: the Adriatic Sea
The Adriatic Sea is the lovely stretch of water along the coast of your own Croatia, an arm of the larger Mediterranean Sea. It is dotted with hundreds of islands and known for its clear blue water and sunny shores. Sailors like you and your grandfather have crossed it for thousands of years. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: the necktie from Croatia
Yes, it is true! Many people believe the modern necktie came from your own Croatia. Long ago, Croatian soldiers wore a special scarf around their necks, and the fashion spread to other countries. The very word cravat, another name for a tie, comes from the word Croat. So the next time you see someone in a smart tie, you can smile knowingly. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Sail somewhere wonderful for me, Luka. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
