by Isla from Oranjestad asks Santa if he celebrates Christmas every day, learns about Aruba’s dry desert-like climate, and hears about the island’s Dande music tradition
Dear Santa, my name is Isla and I am eight years old. I live in Oranjestad, Aruba, where my mama says our island barely ever gets rain, which surprises visitors expecting a typical rainy Caribbean island.
Dear Isla, that surprises me a little too, every single visit, and your mama is entirely right about it.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, do you celebrate Christmas every day? My little cousin thinks you must, since you are so busy with presents constantly.
The spirit of Christmas, kindness and generosity, I try to carry with me every day, Isla, though the big celebration itself really is just the one busy, wonderful night each year. Your cousin is right that the workshop never truly closes, though.
My second question is about our island. My teacher says Aruba is unusually dry for a Caribbean island. Is that true?
It is, Isla. Aruba sits outside the typical hurricane belt and receives far less rainfall than most nearby islands, giving it a drier, almost desert-like climate with striking cactus-covered landscapes. Flying over that unusual terrain each December is quite different from most of my Caribbean route.
My third question is about Dande music. Groups walk from house to house singing on New Year’s Eve here, wishing everyone luck. Is that connected to Christmas too?
Dande is a beloved Aruban tradition, Isla, closely tied to the broader festive season that stretches from Christmas through New Year, with musicians moving joyfully from home to home, singing wishes of good fortune for the year ahead. It reflects how Aruba stretches its holiday spirit generously across the whole season, not just one single day.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Isla Every
Oranjestad, Aruba
P.S. Will you come back for Dande too?
I try to, Isla, whenever the schedule allows.
