by An elephant-drawing girl in Bangkok asks what Santa is, what a rainforest is, and why greetings differ
A Letter to Santa from Bangkok, Thailand
Dear Santa,
Sawasdee Santa! My name is Lan and I am 8 years old. I live in Bangkok, in Thailand, where it is warm all year and the markets float on the water. I love drawing elephants and eating mango sticky rice. My question is simple but big: what is Santa Claus, really? My geography question is: what is a rainforest? And my social studies question is: why do people in different countries greet each other in different ways? Khob khun, Santa!
Love, Lan (age 8)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, sawasdee Lan! Mango sticky rice sounds wonderful, and I would love a plate. You asked what I am, really, and that is a thoughtful question. So here is a clear answer: Santa Claus is the friendly, gift-giving spirit of Christmas. I am the cheerful old fellow who grew from the kind Saint Nicholas, and my whole job is to spread joy and remind people to be generous. I am part man, part story, and part warm feeling, all rolled into one round, red-suited bundle. In short, I am kindness with a beard.
Your geography question: what is a rainforest
A rainforest is a thick, green forest that gets a great deal of rain and stays warm all year. Rainforests are bursting with life, home to more kinds of plants and animals than almost anywhere else on Earth. Your own Thailand has lush tropical forests filled with amazing creatures, perhaps even a few elephants like the ones you draw. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: different greetings
People greet each other differently because each country has its own customs and ways of showing respect. In your own Thailand, people often greet one another with a graceful gesture called the wai, placing their palms together with a small bow. These greetings are a beautiful way that cultures show kindness and good manners. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Draw me an elephant, Lan. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
