by Domingas, age 8 from Luanda, Angola, asks Santa about Christmas things, Angola’s Atlantic coastline, and its independence history.
Dear Santa, my name is Domingas, and I am eight years old. I live in Luanda, Angola, where my avo says our whole coastline stretches on for what feels like forever along the Atlantic Ocean.
Dear Domingas, that long Atlantic coastline is one of the loveliest stretches on my entire African route, plenty of room for a sleigh to glide along.
Santa, I have three questions.
Do you know Christmas things? My primo has a whole box of ornaments passed down from our bisavo.
I know plenty of Christmas things, Domingas, and a box of ornaments passed down through generations might be the most special kind of all. Each little decoration carries its own bit of family history along with the sparkle.
My teacher says Angola has a very long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Is that true?
It is true, Domingas, Angola’s coastline stretches for a very long way along the Atlantic, and I always enjoy that steady ocean view guiding me in toward Luanda.
My avo says Angola became fully independent from Portugal after a long struggle, back in 1975. Is that true?
It is true, Domingas, Angola gained its independence in 1975 after many years of hard struggle, and the country has built its own proud identity and traditions ever since, Christmas included. That kind of hard-won freedom is always worth remembering and celebrating, especially during a season about hope.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Domingas Neto
Luanda, Angola
P.S. Can you add one new ornament to my primo’s family box this year?
Consider it done, Domingas, a family collection like that deserves to keep growing.
