by Salma, age 8 from Tripoli, Libya, asks Santa how to draw his hat, the Sahara Desert, and Libya’s small Christian community.
Dear Santa, my name is Salma, and I am eight years old. I live in Tripoli, Libya, where my mama says our country has one of the longest coastlines of any country in Africa, right along the Mediterranean Sea.
Dear Salma, a coastline that long makes for one of the most scenic approaches on my entire African route, your mama picked a truly sunny hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
How do I draw a Santa hat? My teacher wants us to decorate the classroom door with paper hats.
Start with a simple triangle shape, Salma, add a fluffy white line along the bottom edge, and finish with a round white pom-pom at the very tip. Your classroom door is about to look wonderfully festive.
My mama says most of our country is covered by a huge desert. Is that true?
It is true, Salma, the Sahara Desert stretches across most of Libya, a vast and striking landscape. I always enjoy that golden, endless view flying over on my way to your rooftop.
My mama says Libya is mostly Muslim, but there is still a small Christian community that quietly celebrates Christmas each year. Is that true?
It is true, Salma, Libya is home to a small Christian community keeping Christmas traditions alive alongside a Muslim majority. Wherever I find even one family celebrating, I am always glad to bring a little extra warmth to their night.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Salma Bakir
Tripoli, Libya
P.S. Can you help us pick the best pom-pom color for the door hats?
White, always white, Salma, tradition matters even in classroom crafts.
