by Priya, age 9, asks how much a tree costs, about the Ganges, and Christmas in India
Dear Santa,
Namaste from Mumbai. My name is Priya and I am 9 years old. Christmas here is warm and bright and busy, with fairy lights on the buildings and sweets at every shop. My family puts up a tree, and this year my little brother asked how much it cost, and nobody could agree, so now I must ask you.
My first question is: how much does a Christmas tree cost?
My second question is geography: what is the longest river in India?
My third question is from school: how is Christmas celebrated in India when it is not the biggest religion here?
I am leaving you gulab jamun, which are sweet and syrupy, and I hope you like them.
Love, Priya, age 9, Mumbai, India
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Priya, gulab jamun may be the finest thing I ate all night, so please tell your family thank you. Now to settle that argument with your brother.
How much does a Christmas tree cost?
The honest answer is that it depends a great deal on where you live, how big the tree is, and whether it is real or artificial, and prices change from year to year. A small tree can cost about as much as a nice meal out, while a tall, fresh fir tree in places where they grow can cost quite a lot more. An artificial tree usually costs more at the start, but because you can fold it up and reuse it for many years, it can work out cheaper in the end. In India, where fresh fir trees are less common, many families choose an artificial tree or decorate a potted plant, which I think is wonderfully clever.
What is the longest river in India?
The longest river flowing through India is the Ganges, known in India as the Ganga. It stretches for around 2,500 kilometres, beginning high in the Himalayan mountains and flowing across the north of the country. It is deeply important to millions of people, both for daily life and as a sacred river, and it has been at the heart of Indian civilisation for thousands of years.
How is Christmas celebrated in India?
India is a huge and wonderfully diverse country, home to many religions living side by side, and Christmas is a public holiday enjoyed by people of all backgrounds. It is celebrated especially joyfully in places such as Goa, Kerala, and your own Mumbai, with midnight church services, star-shaped lanterns, sweets, and streets full of lights. One of the beautiful things about India is how many festivals it shares and celebrates together, and Christmas has found a warm and colourful home among them.
Tell your brother the argument is settled, and I shall see you on Christmas Eve.
Ho ho ho, Santa
