ST. NIKOLAUS, Germany (AP) — In a festive tradition that highlights the holiday spirit in Germany, three postal workers embarked on an adventurous bicycle journey on Saturday. They set off from St. Nikolaus, a town in the Saarland state of Germany, and aim to travel nearly 3,000 kilometers (1,860 miles) to reach Rovaniemi, Finland, renowned for being home to the Santa Claus Village.
These cyclists, affectionately referred to as Santa's elves, are on a mission to deliver letters and Christmas wish lists addressed to Santa Claus from children in their hometown. Rovaniemi is a popular winter-themed amusement park located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, drawing thousands of tourists each holiday season who come to celebrate the magic of Christmas.
During the send-off, St. Nikolaus himself, donning a long purple cape and tall golden staff, ceremoniously handed over the carefully collected letters to the three postal workers. The entire journey is expected to take approximately two weeks, as the group cycles through Germany, Denmark, and Sweden before arriving in Finland, as reported by the German news agency dpa.
The cyclists are part of the Deutsche Post volunteers, an organization that responds to more than 30,000 letters annually from children across the globe addressed to the St. Nikolaus post office. This unique post office even has its own postal code, further marking its significance in the holiday tradition. The practice of replying to children's letters has been a cherished tradition since it began in 1967, with each letter receiving a special stamp, adding to the excitement and originality of the correspondence.
Interestingly, the town of St. Nikolaus is one of seven locations in Germany that carry a Christmas-themed name, all of which routinely receive letters directed to Santa Claus or Saint Nick. These towns play an integral role in maintaining the Christmas spirit and fostering joy among children who believe in the magic of Santa.
This year, in a delightful twist, St. Nikolaus has also submitted his own wish list to the cyclists, with the hope of receiving a reply from Santa Claus in Finland. This added element brings a personal touch to the tradition and reinforces the connection between Santa Claus and the communities that celebrate him.
The journey of these dedicated postal workers, filled with holiday cheer and purpose, not only embodies the spirit of giving but also showcases the lengths that individuals will go to in order to promote the joy and wonder of Christmas. As they make their way through Europe, the three elves carry with them not just letters, but the hopes and dreams of children, making their expedition a significant contribution to the festive season.
