by Skylar from Providenciales asks Santa about a holiday movie, learns about the Turks and Caicos coral reefs, and hears about the islands’ own Junkanoo-style celebrations
Dear Santa, my name is Skylar and I am nine years old. I live in Providenciales, in the Turks and Caicos, where my nana says our water is famous for being some of the clearest and bluest anywhere in the whole world.
Dear Skylar, I have flown low over that exact water myself, and your nana’s claim is entirely fair, honestly.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, have you seen Christmas Getaway? My aunt visiting from Canada watches holiday movies about tropical vacations while sitting right here on our actual beach.
I have caught bits of a few similar ones, Skylar, and watching a tropical vacation movie while already sitting on a tropical beach sounds like a delightfully confident way to spend an evening.
My second question is about our reefs. My teacher says our islands have some of the healthiest coral reefs in the entire Caribbean. Is that true?
It is, Skylar. The Turks and Caicos are known for exceptionally clear water and healthy coral reefs, home to vibrant marine life. Flying along that turquoise coastline each Christmas Eve is one of the most beautiful stretches of my entire Caribbean route.
My third question is about our own island celebrations. My cousin in the Bahamas has Junkanoo, and we have something similar here too. Why do so many Caribbean islands share festivals like that?
Many Caribbean islands share historical roots that shaped similar joyful traditions of music, costume, and street celebration around the Christmas season, each island adding its own distinct local flavor over time. I think it is a beautiful example of shared history growing into many different, equally wonderful expressions of the very same spirit.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Skylar Been
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
P.S. Do you swim in the reef when you visit?
Only briefly, Skylar. The boots are not especially waterproof.
