My place – Santa Claus

“It’s always nice to come to Uusikaupunki. The people here are so nice and spontaneous. As we all know, Santa likes to go to places where there are lots of people and children in particular, such as the market square in Uusikaupunki when the Christmas season is officially opened. I’ve noticed that when Santa arrives on the scene, people can’t help but smile. That’s such a wonderful thing!

It’s nice to talk with people about all sorts of things, such as what they want for Christmas or what they find the most meaningful and important aspects of the season. Santa felt a little sad over the talk in the media a few years ago that Santa should perhaps be forgotten as children would feel too disappointed once they found out he is just make-believe. But aren’t fairytales like these an integral part of the Christmas season – and life in general?

Here in Uusikaupunki, these old wooden house districts are something special. You can feel the history all around you. The seaside location makes the town very unique as well. All corners of the world are open to you. By the way, did you know that the figure on whom Santa Claus was based, Saint Nicholas, was not only the patron saint of children but also of seafarers and fishermen? So, that is yet another reason why Santa feels right at home here in Uusikaupunki.

Uusikaupunki is a very peaceful town, and the people here are kind, for the most part. But you can always do better! Kindness shouldn’t be limited to the Christmas season. Instead, we should always try to be kind throughout the year and remember to treat each other with respect. This is Santa’s Christmas message to the people of Uusikaupunki.”