Santu ta’ Rozi — The Old Man of Christmas

Santu, as he was known in the village, was a cloth merchant. He was a grounded man with a good heart, always helping the farmers with whatever they needed. He had a nephew named Karlu, whom from childhood Santu affectionately called Klaws. When Klaws was born, his mother—Santu’s daughter Rozina—passed away.

You can imagine the deep love Santu and Rozina had for the boy. The boy’s father was a sailor who worked on merchant ships and never returned to Malta after losing his wife Klara. Santu was a great devotee of Saint Nicholas, as his own father was named Nikol, and he held a strong devotion to this saint.

As little Karlu—now known as Klaws—grew up, his grandfather began thinking of ways to bring joy to Klaws and to the children of the farmers, especially with Christmas approaching. One night, Santu dreamed of Saint Nicholas…

Santu’s Gift

In a village bathed in gentle light,
Lived Santu, kind, with heart so bright.
A merchant of cloth, humble and true,
With love as vast as skies so blue.

His nephew Klaws, a boy so dear,
Whose mother’s loss brought silent tears.
Yet in their bond, pure hope would rise,
Like Christmas stars in winter skies.

Santu dreamed on a silent night,
Of Saint Nicholas’ glowing light.
A promise whispered soft and clear,
To bring the children Christmas cheer.

He gathered gifts with tender care,
For every child, a hope to share.
And in their eyes, a sparkling gleam—
The magic born from love’s own dream.

So in the heart of every year,
When winter winds and snow appear,
Remember Santu’s gift so true—
The light of love that shines in you.

SONG of Imsierah’s Light

Silent night, village bright,
Imsierah glows with Christmas light.
Santu’s love shines pure and clear,
Klaws’s joy is drawing near.
Saint Nick’s gift, soft and bright,
Fills their hearts with pure delight.

Silent night, calm and clear,
Peace and hope are gathering near.
Santu’s dream, tender and true,
Warms the hearts of me and you.
Children’s laughter, shining bright,
Lights the streets of Imsierah night.

Silent night, starry skies,
Love is seen in every eye.
Gifts of kindness, freely given,
Bless the homes in Imsierah’s heaven.
Santu’s heart, warm and bright,
Fills the town with Christmas light.

words by Pierre Calleja

Jingle Bells — Imsierah Christmas

Dashing through the town,
Imsierah’s all aglow,
Santu’s gifts abound,
And children sing in snow!

Bells are ringing loud,
Joy is in the air,
Families gather ‘round,
Spreading love and care!

Chorus:
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells,
Imsierah’s Christmas cheer!
Singing songs and lighting lights,
The best time of the year, hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Hear the laughter swell,
In Imsierah, we all share,
A Christmas story to tell!

Fires warm and bright,
Cookies on the tray,
Stars are shining clear,
On this holy day.

Friends and neighbors smile,
Hearts so full and light,
Together we rejoice,
In Imsierah tonight!