by Junior, age 9 from Honiara, Solomon Islands, asks Santa about working on Christmas Day, the Solomon Islands’ many islands, and community feast traditions.
Dear Santa, my name is Junior, and I am nine years old. I live in Honiara, Solomon Islands, where my tata says important battles were once fought on our very own island a long time ago, and you can still find old bits of history if you know where to look.
Dear Junior, I always fly a respectful, quiet pass over places with history like that, your tata is right to remember it carefully.
Santa, I have three questions.
Do you work on Christmas duty? My cousin who is a nurse has to work every single Christmas Day.
I do, Junior, Christmas Eve and Day are essentially my busiest shift of the entire year. Your cousin and I have a lot in common, showing up for people when it matters most, even if it means missing our own slice of pie.
My teacher says the Solomon Islands is made up of almost a thousand separate islands. Is that true?
It is true, Junior, the Solomon Islands stretches across nearly a thousand islands scattered through the South Pacific. I spend a good stretch of Christmas Eve simply island hopping across your beautiful stretch of ocean.
My tata says our whole village gathers for church and a big shared feast on Christmas Day. Is that true?
It is true, Junior, church services followed by a big community feast are a cherished part of Solomon Islands Christmas, everyone bringing something to share with their neighbors. That kind of communal generosity, everyone contributing a little to make the whole meal special, is really the heart of the season.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Junior Kwaiga
Honiara, Solomon Islands
P.S. Does your cousin nurse get a special present for working on Christmas?
She certainly should, Junior, and I will make sure of it personally.
