by Amira, age 9 from Tunis, Tunisia, asks Santa about Christmas rings, being Africa’s northernmost country, and the ancient ruins of Carthage.
Dear Santa, my name is Amira, and I am nine years old. I live in Tunis, Tunisia, where my jeddi says an ancient city called Carthage once stood right near our own, thousands of years ago.
Dear Amira, ruins that ancient deserve a very respectful, very careful flyover, your jeddi picked a truly historic hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Do you have a Christmas ring? My teta wears a special ring every December that was passed down from her mother.
I do not wear rings myself, Amira, my hands stay far too busy for jewelry, but your teta’s passed-down ring sounds like a beautiful keepsake. A ring like that carries more than sparkle, it carries family history too.
My teacher says Tunisia is the northernmost country on the entire African continent. Is that true?
It is true, Amira, Tunisia sits at Africa’s northernmost point, reaching out toward the Mediterranean Sea. I always enjoy that dramatic coastline on my way in to visit you.
My jeddi says the ancient ruins of Carthage, a very old and powerful city, are still standing not far from Tunis today. Is that true?
It is true, Amira, Carthage was once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world, and its ruins still stand today as an important historical site near Tunis. I always take a slow, thoughtful pass over that ancient ground, so much history resting quietly below.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Amira Ben Salah
Tunis, Tunisia
P.S. Will you visit the Carthage ruins on your way to my house?
Every year, Amira, that kind of history deserves a proper, quiet visit.
