by Aisulu from Astana asks Santa about a beloved children’s show, learns about Kazakhstan’s vast steppes, and hears about Ayaz Ata and Kazakhstan’s New Year traditions
Dear Santa, my name is Aisulu and I am nine years old. I live in Astana, Kazakhstan, where my äje says our winters are so cold that even breathing outside makes a little cloud follow you like a small, quiet friend.
Dear Aisulu, I have seen that very cloud follow visitors around myself, and your äje’s description could not be more accurate.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, have you seen Christmas Eve on Sesame Street? My little brother watches puppet shows like that constantly, and I wondered if you knew any of the characters personally.
I have not met that particular cast myself, Aisulu, though I have great respect for any show that brings so much joy to little brothers everywhere.
My second question is about our land. My teacher says Kazakhstan has enormous, wide open grasslands called steppes. Is that true?
It is, Aisulu. Kazakhstan’s vast steppes stretch for enormous distances, some of the widest open grasslands on Earth. Flying over that endless, snow-covered landscape each December is one of the quietest, most peaceful parts of my entire route.
My third question is about Ayaz Ata. My family celebrates New Year more than Christmas itself, with gifts brought by him instead. Why is New Year the bigger celebration here?
Ayaz Ata, Grandfather Frost, is a respected colleague of mine, and New Year became the primary winter gift-giving celebration in Kazakhstan partly due to its Soviet-era history, when New Year festivities were encouraged over religious Christmas celebrations. That tradition has remained strong ever since, and Ayaz Ata carries the same generous spirit I do, just on a slightly different night.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Aisulu Nurlanovna
Astana, Kazakhstan
P.S. Does Ayaz Ata mind sharing the season with you?
Not at all, Aisulu. We have a very comfortable arrangement about the whole thing.
