by Valentina, age 9 from Bogota, Colombia, asks Santa about Christmas pictures, Bogota’s high altitude, and Dia de las Velitas.
Dear Santa, my name is Valentina, and I am nine years old. I live in Bogota, Colombia, high up in the mountains, and my abuela says our whole city sits so high that visitors sometimes need a nap just to catch their breath.
Dear Valentina, Bogota’s altitude has surprised more than one drowsy reindeer over the years, your abuela is not exaggerating.
Santa, I have three questions.
Can I see Christmas pictures? My tia has photo albums from every Christmas since she was my age.
Of course you can, Valentina, and your tia’s photo albums sound like a wonderful treasure. I keep a few old Christmas photographs of my own in the workshop, mostly of very confused reindeer wearing tinsel.
My teacher says Bogota is one of the highest capital cities in the whole world. Is that true?
It is true, Valentina, Bogota sits high in the Andes Mountains, over two and a half kilometers above sea level. I always give the sleigh a little extra warm-up before that particular landing, the thin mountain air keeps everyone on their toes.
My abuela says Colombians light candles and lanterns on December 7th to start the Christmas season. Is that true?
It is true, Valentina, Dia de las Velitas fills Colombian streets, windows, and sidewalks with glowing candles every December 7th, honoring the Virgin Mary and marking the start of the season. I always enjoy flying over Colombia that night, the whole country glows like a map made of stars.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Valentina Ramirez
Bogota, Colombia
P.S. Can you send me a picture of your reindeer wearing tinsel?
I will see what I can dig out of the workshop archives, Valentina, though Comet may object to being photographed.
