by A girl in Copenhagen hears Santa is not real and feels sad, and learns about straits and the Danish idea of hygge
A Letter to Santa from Copenhagen, Denmark
Dear Santa,
Hej Santa! My name is Freja and I am 7 years old. I live in Copenhagen, in Denmark, where we light candles to keep cozy in the long dark winters. I love baking and cuddling my cat. Some older kids told me why Santa Claus is not real, and it made me feel sad. Is what they said true? My geography question is: what is a strait? And my social studies question is: what is hygge, the Danish idea of cosiness? Tak, Santa!
Love, Freja (age 7)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hej Freja! Please dry those sad feelings, because I have something important to tell you. Some people say I am not real simply because they cannot see me or touch me. But think about this: the most wonderful things in the whole world cannot be seen or touched either. You cannot hold love in your hands, yet it fills your home. You cannot touch kindness, yet you feel it warm your heart. Those older kids have only forgotten how to feel the magic, but you have not. So believe your own happy heart, my dear. I am as real as the love around you.
Your geography question: what is a strait
A strait is a narrow strip of water that connects two larger bodies of water, often with land close on both sides. Near your own Denmark is a famous strait called the Oresund, which separates Denmark from Sweden. People cross it on ships and even on a long, remarkable bridge. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: what is hygge
Hygge is a lovely Danish idea that means warmth, coziness, and contentment. It is the feeling of candles glowing, a soft blanket, good food, and the company of people you love. Your own Denmark is famous for hygge, and it is one reason Danes are known as some of the happiest people in the world. You already live it when you cuddle your cat. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Light a cozy candle for me, Freja. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
