by Teuea from Tarawa asks Santa if there are jokes for him, learns about Kiribati’s low-lying atolls, and hears that Kiribati is among the first places on Earth to see the New Year
Dear Santa, my name is Teuea and I am nine years old. I live in Tarawa, Kiribati, where my tamana says our country is one of the very first places on the entire planet to see the New Year arrive, before almost anywhere else.
Dear Teuea, your tamana is entirely right, and I always make sure to be ready extra early because of it.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, are there jokes for Santa? My little sister wants new material to bring to school, since her usual jokes are getting rather old.
I know a few, Teuea, though most of mine involve reindeer and land rather badly outside the North Pole. I will work on a fresh batch specifically for your sister this year.
My second question is about our islands. My teacher says Kiribati is made up of very low, flat atolls. Is that true?
It is, Teuea. Kiribati’s islands are low-lying coral atolls, rising only slightly above sea level, some of the most delicate landforms anywhere on Earth. Flying over that thin, precious strip of land each Christmas Eve fills me with real, careful appreciation.
My third question is about the New Year. My teacher says Kiribati is among the first places in the world to celebrate it. Is that true?
It is true, Teuea. Kiribati sits so far east across the International Date Line that it is among the very first places on Earth to welcome each New Year. I always make certain my Kiribati deliveries happen right on schedule, given how early everything begins there.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Teuea Beniamina
Tarawa, Kiribati
P.S. Do you start your whole route in Kiribati then?
Very nearly, Teuea. It is an excellent place to begin.
