ST. NIKOLAUS, Germany (AP) — The Christmas spirit kicks off early in Germany, as evidenced by the recent efforts of three postal workers who embarked on an ambitious bicycle journey. On Saturday, they set off from St. Nikolaus, Germany, aiming to cover nearly 3,000 kilometers (1,860 miles) to reach Rovaniemi, Finland, the renowned home of Santa Claus Village, as reported by the German news agency dpa.
The cyclists are on a mission to deliver letters and Christmas wish lists addressed directly to Santa Claus. Their route will take them through Germany's Saarland state, then through Denmark and Sweden before they finally reach the winter-themed amusement park located at the edge of the Arctic Circle in Finland. St. Nikolaus, donned in his traditional long purple cape and tall golden staff, was present on Saturday to personally hand over the letters to the dedicated cyclists.
This journey is part of a longstanding tradition started in 1967, where Deutsche Post volunteers respond to a staggering number of letters sent by children all over the globe—over 30,000 each year—addressed to St. Nikolaus. The St. Nikolaus post office even boasts its own unique postal code, symbolizing its special role in this festive exchange. Each letter reply sent from this post office is adorned with a special stamp, further enhancing the charm of the communication.
St. Nikolaus is one of seven places in Germany with a Christmas-themed name, which together receive a significant volume of correspondence directed to Santa Claus or St. Nick. As part of this year's festivities, St. Nikolaus has also provided his personal wish list to the bicycle team. The spirited figure expressed his desire for a reply from Santa Claus in Finland, adding a personal touch to this heartwarming tradition.
The journey, which is expected to last around two weeks, reflects the endearing intersection of service and holiday cheer. The cyclists will navigate their way through picturesque landscapes and urban areas as they transport the cherished letters to their final destination. Their endeavor not only serves as a heartfelt delivery of children's hopes and dreams but also illustrates the global connectivity and joy associated with the holiday season.
The event resonates not only with children but with communities in Germany that embrace the spirit of Christmas through proud traditions surrounding St. Nikolaus and Santa Claus. The cyclists serve as modern-day elves, bringing the excitement of seasonal correspondence to life in a tangible and physical way. As they begin their journey, they symbolize the age-old commitment to keeping the magic of Christmas alive through the simple act of delivering letters, encapsulating the joy and wonder that this festive season brings to children and adults alike.
