by Chisomo, age 9 from Lilongwe, Malawi, asks Santa about Christmas holidays, Lake Malawi, and the country’s Warm Heart of Africa nickname.
Dear Santa, my name is Chisomo, and I am nine years old. I live in Lilongwe, Malawi, where my agogo says our whole country is famous for being one of the friendliest, warmest places on the entire continent.
Dear Chisomo, a whole country known for its warmth sounds like exactly the kind of place I look forward to visiting every single year.
Santa, I have three questions.
Do you like Christmas holidays? My agogo says the whole school takes a long break and everyone visits family.
I love Christmas holidays, Chisomo, and a long break spent visiting family sounds like exactly how the season should be spent. Rest, reunions, and a little extra joy, that is a proper holiday recipe.
My teacher says Malawi is home to one of the largest lakes in all of Africa. Is that true?
It is true, Chisomo, Lake Malawi stretches for a very long distance along your country’s border, one of the biggest and most beautiful lakes on the whole continent. I always enjoy that shimmering water view on my way in to visit you.
My agogo says Malawi is nicknamed the Warm Heart of Africa because people here are known for being so kind to visitors. Is that true?
It is true, Chisomo, Malawi has earned that nickname through generations of genuine hospitality and kindness toward strangers and neighbors alike. That warm, welcoming spirit is really the very heart of what I hope every child carries with them, at Christmas and every day after.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Chisomo Banda
Lilongwe, Malawi
P.S. Will you tell the reindeer how warm and friendly our country is?
I already have, Chisomo, and they are counting down the days too.
