by Ploy, age 9 from Bangkok, Thailand, asks Santa about Christmas cactus plants, the Chao Phraya River, and Christmas in Buddhist Thailand.
Ploy from Bangkok, Thailand
Dear Santa,
My name is Ploy, and I am nine years old. I live in Bangkok, Thailand, where my mae says the boats on the Chao Phraya River get decorated with lights every December even though almost nobody here celebrates Christmas at home.
Dear Ploy, decorated boats gliding down a glowing river might be one of the most beautiful sights on my entire Southeast Asia route, your city knows how to make an entrance.
I hope you and the reindeer are ready for warm weather, because my mae says Bangkok in December rarely feels like a proper Christmas Eve at all.
The reindeer have made peace with the heat over the years, mostly by flying a little higher where the air stays cooler.
Santa, I have some important questions.
First, do you have a Christmas cactus? My teacher has one in her classroom that blooms bright pink every winter.
I do, Ploy, Mrs. Claus keeps several in the workshop windows, and they bloom right on schedule every single December, almost as reliable as the reindeer’s appetite.
Second, my teacher says the Chao Phraya River is the main river running through Bangkok. Is that true?
It is true, Ploy, the Chao Phraya winds right through the heart of Bangkok, and I always follow its curve to find my way to your rooftop among all those bright city lights.
Third, my mae says most people in Thailand are Buddhist, not Christian, but the malls still put up huge Christmas decorations. Is that true?
It is true, and I think it says something lovely about Bangkok. Buddhism is the main religion for most families in Thailand, so Christmas is not a traditional holiday there, but the city has embraced the lights, trees, and cheerful spirit of the season anyway, simply because joy and generosity feel good to share, no matter the holiday behind them.
Fourth, is it true Thailand has beautiful temples everywhere?
It is true, Ploy, golden temple roofs catching moonlight are some of the most stunning landmarks I fly past all December.
Fifth, do Thai kids leave you mango sticky rice instead of cookies?
A few adventurous ones do, and I have never once regretted trying it.
I also have some follow-up questions.
Do the reindeer like flying over rivers?
They love it, city lights reflecting off the water make for one of the prettiest views on the whole route.
Do you visit the floating markets too?
Every year, though I try to arrive after closing time so I do not cause too much commotion among the boats.
Is it true Bangkok has some of the worst traffic in the world?
It is true, which is exactly why I stick to the sky whenever possible, Ploy.
Do you enjoy the smell of jasmine in December there?
Very much, it drifts up even at rooftop height, one of Bangkok’s quieter gifts to the whole city.
Thank you for reading my letter, Santa. My mae checked my spelling but the questions are mine.
Your mae raised a curious letter writer, Ploy. Keep noticing how joy can be shared across different beliefs and traditions, that noticing will serve you well your whole life. Merry Christmas to your whole family.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Ploy Suwanpakdee
Bangkok, Thailand
P.S. Can you bring my teacher’s classroom cactus a little pink friend?
Consider it arranged, Ploy, cacti do better with company, much like reindeer.
