by Chanda, age 8 from Lusaka, Zambia, asks Santa about Christmas angels, Victoria Falls, and Zambian family Christmas traditions.
Dear Santa, my name is Chanda, and I am eight years old. I live in Lusaka, Zambia, where my bamayo says our country is home to one of the largest waterfalls in the whole world, with mist you can see from far away.
Dear Chanda, that misty waterfall is one of my favorite landmarks on the entire African continent, visible from a truly impressive altitude.
Santa, I have three questions.
Do you like Christmas angels? My cousin puts one on top of our tree every single year, wings and all.
I love Christmas angels, Chanda, wings and all. They have topped trees for a very long time, a small reminder of hope watching over the whole room.
My teacher says Victoria Falls, one of the biggest waterfalls in the world, is right on Zambia’s border. Is that true?
It is true, Chanda, Victoria Falls sits right along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, sending up a mist so thick it can be seen from miles away. I always slow the sleigh down for that particular view.
My bamayo says our whole extended family gathers for a big Christmas meal outside since it is summer here. Is that true?
It is true, Chanda, Christmas lands right in the middle of Zambia’s warm summer, so many families gather outdoors for a big shared meal with relatives from near and far. Gathering everyone together, rain or shine, snow or sunshine, is really what makes the day special.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Chanda Mwansa
Lusaka, Zambia
P.S. Can you fly close enough to the falls for me to see your sleigh in the mist?
I will try, Chanda, though the mist tends to keep most secrets rather well.
