by Nigar, age 9 from Baku, Azerbaijan, asks Santa about Christmas videos, the Caspian Sea, and the New Year tree tradition.
Dear Santa, my name is Nigar, and I am nine years old. I live in Baku, Azerbaijan, where my nene says our city actually sits below sea level, right on the edge of the largest lake in the entire world.
Dear Nigar, below sea level and beside the world’s largest lake is quite the combination, your nene picked a truly unique hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Do you like Christmas videos? My cousin sends me funny holiday clips on my mama’s phone every December.
I love a good Christmas video, Nigar, funny clips shared between family are one of the small joys of the season. Your cousin sounds like she has a good eye for holiday cheer.
My teacher says the Caspian Sea, right next to Baku, is actually the largest inland body of water in the world. Is that true?
It is true, Nigar, the Caspian Sea is so enormous it is sometimes debated whether to call it a sea or a lake, but either way, it is the largest inland body of water on Earth. I always enjoy that vast, glimmering view on my way in to visit you.
My nene says most people in Azerbaijan are Muslim, but our family still puts up a New Year tree, a tradition from a long time ago. Is that true?
It is true, Nigar, the New Year tree tradition, carried over from an earlier era, remains a beloved custom across Azerbaijan regardless of religion. A lit-up tree bringing a family together is a wonderful thing, whatever the holiday is called.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Nigar Aliyeva
Baku, Azerbaijan
P.S. Can you send my cousin a funny video from the North Pole this year?
I will see what the elves can film, Nigar, though their comedic timing needs some work.
