by Somchai, age 9 from Vientiane, Laos, asks Santa about visiting Christmas houses, the Mekong River, and Christmas in Buddhist Laos.
Dear Santa, my name is Somchai, and I am nine years old. I live in Vientiane, Laos, where my mae says our whole city sits right along a big river, with Thailand visible on the other side.
Dear Somchai, a river view with an entire other country on the far bank sounds like a lovely way to spend an evening, and I always enjoy that particular crossing myself.
Santa, I have three questions.
Do you visit Christmas houses? My friend’s family puts up lights even though most people here do not celebrate Christmas.
I do visit, Somchai, and I am always glad to see lights up, whatever the reason behind them. Your friend’s family sharing a little extra sparkle with the neighborhood is a lovely gesture, holiday or not.
My teacher says Vientiane sits right on the Mekong River, across from Thailand. Is that true?
It is true, Somchai, the Mekong River runs right along your city’s edge, with Thailand visible just across the water. I always follow that river’s curve to help find my way to your rooftop.
My mae says Laos is a country where almost everyone practices Buddhism, and Christmas is only celebrated by a small number of families. Is that true?
It is true, Somchai, Buddhism shapes most of daily life and tradition in Laos, so Christmas remains a small, quiet celebration there, mostly among a small Christian community. Wherever I find a family celebrating, even a small one, I am always glad to bring a little extra warmth to their night.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Somchai Vongsa
Vientiane, Laos
P.S. Can you wave to Thailand on your way past, since it is right across the river?
I always do, Somchai, a good neighborly wave costs nothing extra.
