by Lupe, age 9 from Apia, Samoa, asks Santa about Christmas Barbie dolls, Samoa’s date line change, and its Christian traditions.
Dear Santa, my name is Lupe, and I am nine years old. I live in Apia, Samoa, where my tama says our country actually jumped over an invisible line in the ocean a few years ago, changing which day it was overnight.
Dear Lupe, jumping a whole day forward is exactly the kind of bold move I respect, your tama picked a wonderfully adventurous hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a Christmas Barbie? My cousin has one wearing a little red dress with fur trim.
There is, Lupe, holiday-themed Barbie dolls have been made for many years, red dresses and all. Your cousin’s doll sounds like a proper festive addition to any collection.
My tama says Samoa moved to the other side of the International Date Line, changing our time zone completely. Is that true?
It is true, Lupe, Samoa shifted to the other side of the International Date Line back in 2011, aligning its calendar more closely with its trading neighbors. I always double check my calendar carefully before that particular stop, that kind of change takes some getting used to.
My tama says church and family are the most important parts of Christmas in Samoa. Is that true?
It is true, Lupe, Christianity is deeply woven into daily life across Samoa, and Christmas is celebrated with heartfelt church services and large family gatherings. That kind of shared faith and togetherness is really the heart of the whole season.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Lupe Tuilagi
Apia, Samoa
P.S. Does jumping a day forward ever confuse your delivery schedule?
Only slightly, Lupe, though the elves keep excellent notes just in case.
