by Thiri, age 8, asks the proper tree decorating order, about the Yangon River, and Shwedagon Pagoda
Dear Santa,
Mingalarbar from Yangon. My name is Thiri and I am 8 years old. My family is one of the few in our neighbourhood that celebrates Christmas, and every year my older sister insists on being the one in charge of decorating our small tree, following the exact same order every single time.
My first question is: what is the proper order for decorating a Christmas tree?
My second question is geography: what river flows through Yangon?
My third question is from school: why is the Shwedagon Pagoda such an important site in Myanmar?
I left you mohinga, a fish noodle soup, and a small cup of tea.
Love, Thiri, age 8, Yangon, Myanmar
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Thiri, mohinga was warming and full of flavour, thank you very much. Now, to help settle your sister’s decorating order, and your other questions.
What is the proper order for decorating a Christmas tree?
Most experienced decorators follow a fairly consistent order. First come the lights, wound in and around the branches from the inside out so the glow shows through, not just around the outer edges. Next comes any garland or ribbon, wrapped loosely for texture. Then ornaments are hung, ideally starting with larger, heavier ones deeper in the branches for balance, followed by smaller and more delicate ones toward the outside. Finally, the topper, whether a star or an angel, goes on last, crowning the whole tree. Your sister’s insistence on following the same order every year sounds like exactly the right instinct.
What river flows through Yangon?
The Yangon River flows past the city, connecting it to the sea and serving as an important route for trade and transportation for the wider region.
Why is the Shwedagon Pagoda important in Myanmar?
The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the entire world, believed to be over 2,500 years old and said to enshrine relics connected to the Buddha himself. Covered in real gold and visible for miles, it stands as a powerful spiritual and cultural symbol for the people of Myanmar.
Let your sister keep her tradition going, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
