by Semhar, age 8 from Asmara, Eritrea, asks Santa about ugly Christmas sweaters, Asmara’s Italian architecture, and Eritrea’s religious communities.
Dear Santa, my name is Semhar, and I am eight years old. I live in Asmara, Eritrea, where my emmy says our buildings look like they were plucked right out of an old Italian city, colorful and full of curvy shapes.
Dear Semhar, Asmara’s beautiful old architecture is one of my favorite sights on my whole African route, your emmy described it perfectly.
Santa, I have three questions.
Can I wear a Christmas ugly sweater? My khaltey says the uglier it is the more points it gets at our family party.
Absolutely you can, Semhar, and your khaltey has the right idea entirely, an ugly sweater contest works best when everyone commits fully to the bold, questionable patterns. The uglier, the better, honestly.
My teacher says Asmara has a lot of old buildings built in a special style from Italy a long time ago. Is that true?
It is true, Semhar, Asmara’s architecture reflects a period of Italian influence, leaving behind a beautifully preserved collection of Art Deco style buildings that are now protected as a World Heritage Site. I always slow the sleigh down for a proper look.
My emmy says Eritrea has almost equal numbers of Christian and Muslim families, and many Christians here celebrate Christmas on January 7th. Is that true?
It is true, Semhar, Eritrea is home to a roughly even mix of Christian and Muslim communities, and many Orthodox Christian families follow an older calendar, celebrating on January 7th. Whatever the date, kindness and togetherness never really change.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Semhar Ghebre
Asmara, Eritrea
P.S. Can my sweater have a reindeer riding a skateboard on it?
That level of ugly ambition deserves top marks, Semhar, consider it approved in advance.
