by Teina, age 8 from Avarua, Cook Islands, asks Santa about Christmas Zoom backgrounds, the Cook Islands’ self-governance, and community singing traditions.
Dear Santa, my name is Teina, and I am eight years old. I live in Avarua, Cook Islands, where my papa says our whole nation governs itself but still stays closely connected to a much bigger country far away.
Dear Teina, that kind of close, respectful partnership between islands and a bigger nation is a lovely thing to witness, your papa picked a wonderfully unique hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Can I get a Christmas Zoom background? My mama wants one with palm trees and lights for her video calls with family overseas.
Of course, Teina, a palm tree covered in lights makes for a wonderfully festive video call background. Your mama’s family overseas will feel right at home the moment they see it.
My teacher says the Cook Islands governs itself but is still closely connected to New Zealand. Is that true?
It is true, Teina, the Cook Islands is self-governing but remains in free association with New Zealand, a close and cooperative relationship between two Pacific neighbors. I always enjoy visiting a place that has found such a thoughtful balance.
My papa says church singing is a really important part of Christmas here, with the whole community joining in. Is that true?
It is true, Teina, church and community singing are deeply important parts of Cook Islands Christmas celebrations, voices rising together in beautiful harmony. That kind of shared joy, a whole community singing as one, is really the sound I love hearing most on my route.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Teina Marsters
Avarua, Cook Islands
P.S. Can the Zoom background have a tiny sleigh hidden among the palm trees?
I will ask the elves to sneak one in, Teina, a hidden sleigh sounds like a delightful detail.
