by Amani from Nairobi asks Santa for gift ideas, learns about the Great Rift Valley, and hears about Kenya’s outdoor Christmas traditions
Dear Santa, my name is Amani and I am eight years old. I live in Nairobi, Kenya, where my shosho says you can see zebras grazing practically at the edge of the city, which still amazes visitors every time.
Dear Amani, I have seen those zebras myself from the sleigh, and I agree it never stops being a delightful surprise.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, do you have Christmas gift ideas? My little sister wants everything she sees on television and my parents keep telling her to make a shorter list.
Your parents are giving excellent advice, Amani. A shorter, more thoughtful list, even just one or two things wished for sincerely, usually brings far more joy than a very long one wished for quickly.
My second question is about the valley near us. My teacher says it stretches for thousands of kilometers across several countries. Is the Great Rift Valley really that enormous?
It is, Amani. The Great Rift Valley runs for thousands of kilometers through Kenya and beyond, a huge crack in the earth’s surface formed over millions of years. Flying over it on a clear night is a genuinely awe-inspiring sight, and I always slow the reindeer down just to take it in properly.
My third question is, why does my whole family spend Christmas Day outdoors, dancing and eating together, instead of staying inside like I see in some Christmas movies?
Because Kenyan Christmas celebrations often center around lively outdoor gatherings, Amani, with music, dancing, and shared meals bringing whole communities together, sometimes even outdoors at church services before the family feast. I think that kind of joyful, communal celebration captures the true spirit of the season beautifully, and I always enjoy the music drifting up as I fly over.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Amani Wanjiru
Nairobi, Kenya
P.S. Can the reindeer see the zebras from up there?
Every year, Amani. Dasher insists they wave back, though I have never been entirely convinced.
